Insights
Articles, guides and regulatory explainers.
All articles
- Client education
The truth about fee-only financial advisors: what clients should know
Fee-only is marketed as the cleaner model. It often is — but AUM fees, fund costs and currency spreads can still add up. Here is how to read a fee-only quote.
10 Sept 2026 · Helfenstein Editorial Team · 12 min read
- Client education
Why “we never hold your assets” might not mean what you think
Segregated custody is a real protection. It is not a substitute for knowing the bank, the mandate powers and who can move money.
8 Sept 2026 · Helfenstein Editorial Team · 11 min read
- Investment deep dives
Private equity and hedge funds: high returns or high risk?
Alternatives are sold as sophisticated diversification. The J-curve, “2 and 20” and redemption gates are the parts to understand before you subscribe.
6 Sept 2026 · Helfenstein Editorial Team · 13 min read
- Regulatory compliance
The FINMA connection: what your Swiss financial advisor should disclose
A LEI is not a licence. Here is how to read FINMA authorisation, what deposit protection covers — and what it does not.
4 Sept 2026 · Helfenstein Editorial Team · 11 min read
- Operational due diligence
The single-point-of-contact risk in wealth management
A named adviser feels personal. It becomes a problem if one person is also the only trader, the only reporter and the only succession plan.
2 Sept 2026 · Helfenstein Editorial Team · 10 min read
- Technology and security
The financial portal: gateway or trap?
A client dashboard is useful when it is a window onto your bank. It is a risk when it can change money movement or harvest a login.
28 Aug 2026 · Helfenstein Editorial Team · 11 min read
- Client onboarding
Appointment systems: what your advisor collects before verifying you
Booking forms ask for more than a time slot. Know what you are handing over, and when KYC should start.
22 Aug 2026 · Helfenstein Editorial Team · 10 min read
- Fee structures
The performance fee trap: when “success” costs you more
“We only win when you win” sounds fair. Hurdles, catch-up and a second AUM line can still make success expensive.
18 Aug 2026 · Helfenstein Editorial Team · 11 min read
- Social proof
The testimonial game: are those client photos really your peers?
Social proof should be checkable. Here is how to read testimonials, case studies and “trusted by families” claims.
12 Aug 2026 · Helfenstein Editorial Team · 9 min read
- Geographic positioning
The Swiss advantage: real vs perceived benefits
Swiss banking secrecy is largely gone. What remains is supervision, a currency and a habit of paperwork — if the firm is actually authorised.
6 Aug 2026 · Helfenstein Editorial Team · 10 min read
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