Global investment firm Azura has set up an operation in Geneva, Switzerland in a bid to “support business growth and better serve its international client base”.
The firm, which serves ultra-high net worth (UHNW) and single-family offices, is the first to receive a Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Fimma) licence monitored by a supervisory organisation in French-speaking Switzerland, and one of three in the country overall.
Geneva is Azura’s fourth office worldwide, following its existing offices in London, Monaco and Singapore.
The hub will extend Azura’s global solutions offering of investment management, private wealth solutions and strategic opportunities.
Ali Jamal, chairman, chief executive and founder of Azura, said: “As we continue our goal to create a global community for UHNW entrepreneurs and single-family offices to access innovative investment solutions and trusted relationships, Geneva represents an important financial capital for our client base.
“Switzerland’s talent pool, intellectual capital and regulatory framework make the region a critical location for wealth management businesses. As one of the first independent firms to operate in the country under this Finma licence, we’re excited to set the stage for something new here.”
Management
The Geneva office will be led by Frederic Turrettini, who joins Azura as partner, supported by a newly established team.
As part of his role, Turrettini will be responsible for developing Azura’s Swiss presence.
He joins from Credit Suisse, where he served as head of UHNW Swiss Romande and deputy head of UHNW Switzerland.
Turrettini said: “We’re seeing a lot of changes within larger financial institutions, especially after covid, creating a need for independent firms to offer access to investment solutions.
“We saw an opportunity here. I’m thrilled to join Azura, whose independent platform and diverse team will allow us to deliver on our shared goal of building lasting relationships with our clients with an absolute focus on excellence.”