What does that look like in concrete terms?

With my service company, I always strive to meet the individual ideas, wishes and needs of my customers and hope to inspire them with my versatile offer. Now, pony rides or donkey trekking are not new, you can book corresponding courses in many places. My offer is rather aimed at the whole family. During or after the talks with the customers in the granary, the family members are familiarised with the animals and individually looked after. They are welcome to bring their own horses and ride them out here in the beautiful nature and recreation area. If desired, the horse can also receive professional physiotherapy. The owners receive valuable advice, individually tailored to horse and rider. That way, everyone gets something out of it.    

Why did you want to become an asset manager?

My father was a banker for 40 years and managed the Zurich branch of an international bank. When I was a little boy, I was allowed to visit him in the office from time to time. My father talked to his clients from all over the world in several languages, and the atmosphere was always very cordial. You could always feel the mutual appreciation, respect and trust between him and the customers. This created valuable interpersonal relationships. Dealing with all kinds of people fascinated me from an early age. I also took a liking to languages, cultures and traditions at an early age. It was obvious that one day I would strive to achieve the same professional goals as my father.

Your asset management company is called Detlefson. Where did that name come from?

When my father reached the retirement age of 65 and I finished my years abroad in the USA and South America and returned to Switzerland, we founded a company together to serve our clients in the best possible way. It was important to us to bring in a personal touch. My father had the nickname "Detlef" at business school, he could quote quite a few poems by Detlev von Liliencron. Then I came along as a son - et voilà, we already had our company name Detlefson.

You've been doing "home office" for a long time.

Already a few years before the pandemic, I gave up my office in the city centre of Zurich and worked from home from then on. As you know, with today's technological tools this is no problem at all. I really enjoy being outdoors and in nature. Working together with people and animals all day - what could be better! In addition, I am always with my family - a great privilege. I am grateful for that.

You have chosen your granary as your new company logo.

The granary is at the centre of everything I do. I meet my clients there and calmly discuss their financial situation. A good ambience is important to me. The people I talk to feel comfortable in my 250-year-old granary. The historic building stands for history, trust and long-term goals. It was obvious to choose the granary and the slogan "Private Banking in Nature" as my logo. Over the years, the granary has weathered many winds and storms without damage. It is the same with the markets. When there is turbulence, it is important to work calmly and carefully and to keep a cool head.

Where do you think banking will be in 10 or 25 years?

It is clear that digitalisation is increasingly making its way into the banking world. Despite new technologies such as roboadvisors, fintech, blockchain or apps, which are in direct competition with various traditional financial service providers, I am firmly convinced that personal customer service will always remain important. There will always be people who attach great importance to individual care and trust. They also do not want to be looked after by countless advisors, but often prefer the same contact person. The customer always comes first. I want them to feel that. It seems to me that this has been forgotten by many financial service providers. Building trust takes years. You work on your reputation all your life. These attributes will also accompany us in the long future.