Global Guide 2026 : Switzerland
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
The Investment Funds Practice Group at Schellenberg Wittmer is renowned in Switzerland and internationally for the following expertise and knowledge:
Solid reputation: Our reputation is reinforced by the size and experience of our team, the specialization of its members and the market position we have, representing major players on a regular basis and treating most of the leading cases in Investment Funds in Switzerland. We are comprehensive and cover all aspects of the fund and asset management industry.
Strong Practice and Expertise: Setting up various Swiss collective investment schemes for institutional and retail clients as well as hedge fund structures for the private banking unit of a major bank and stock-exchange listed investment companies, assisting clients with their FINMA asset manager and distributor license and advising clients on setting up collective investment schemes and on distributing fund products into Switzerland (including advice on all contractual arrangements necessary therefore).
FINMA Authorization process: for asset managers, fund management companies, custodian banks, representatives of foreign collective investment schemes, distributors as well as Swiss and foreign collective investment schemes, with an emphasis on highly technical projects
Regulatory Issues: implementation of the new distribution rules within various institutions in Switzerland and the submission or not of several products/institutions to regulation in Switzerland.
Provided by Chambers
Schellenberg Wittmer offers an established team that attracts a range of significant asset managers and financial institutions to assist with fund registration and licensing proceedings before FINMA. The law firm is also sought after to advise on regulatory issues and the structuring of new funds, particularly in relation to real estate and pension activities.
Provided by Chambers
Schellenberg Wittmer advised Vigama Capital on the creation and licensing of its new fund.
Provided by Chambers
Schellenberg Wittmer stands out through a rare combination of legal excellence, creativity and client-centric thinking.
The lawyers are equipped with valuable insights into market expectations, evolving trends and how best to position client applications for success.
Schellenberg Wittmer has excellent knowledge of the regulatory environment and the ability to provide solutions to meet the changes.
What distinguishes Schellenberg Wittmer is its practical approach combined with deep technical expertise.
The advice and guidance we received has been very valuable and accurate. We were supported by a very capable team that was always very responsive.
Provided by Chambers
Caroline Clemetson advises financial sector clients on the establishment of real estate and pension funds. She also acts on regulatory matters, including licensing applications for private equity fund managers.
Caroline is an exceptional lawyer. She is knowledgeable, driven, responsive and practical. She is also a problem-solver and great fun to work with.
Caroline Clemetson is an excellent lawyer and a great asset for our company. She is our go-to person for all regulatory work as well as other complex legal questions or challenges we have.
Caroline Clemetson is always a good listener and delivers good advice. She knows our business and our structure down to the smallest detail and is therefore able to meet our expectations very quickly.
Caroline is always one step ahead in her thinking. She anticipates potential developments and considers how counterparties might react, outlining multiple scenarios and their legal consequences.
Her forward-looking mindset, combined with her deep legal expertise and commercial awareness, makes her an invaluable adviser in both complex and fast-moving situations.
Joane Etienne notably advises asset management companies on the legal, regulatory and transactional aspects of Swiss funds, including associated FINMA approvals. She also assists with licensing and fund distribution projects.
Joane Etienne has proved to be a great asset in supporting and providing advice to our business. She is always available and goes above and beyond on service provision.
Even in the most difficult situations, Joane is always positive, proactive and wise. She is very efficient and it is always a pleasure to interact with her.
Joane Etienne is always there for you with a very strong legal background.
What distinguishes Joane Etienne is the combination of extraordinary responsiveness and deep legal and commercial insight. Her replies are consistently fast, proactive and always on point.
Beyond her legal expertise, Joane brings a strong commercial perspective, shaped by a clear understanding of the financial services industry and the regulatory landscape.
Investment Funds
Investment Funds
Provided by Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
Joane Etienne
View profile of Joane EtienneEurope 2026
Practice area: Investment Funds
Location: Switzerland
View department profile for Europe 2026
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