The Geneva-based multifamily office Novum Partners has established itself in the Swiss financial landscape with a clear philosophy of transparency and responsibility.
Since its foundation, Novum Partners SA, Geneva has pursued an approach that goes far beyond traditional asset management. The three pillars of transparency, alignment of interests and continuous improvement shape the multifamily office’s actions.
Geneva-based financial services company Novum Partners, formerly known as Novum Capital Partners SA, was recently named ‘Switzerland’s best wealth manager’ at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2025. This recognition underscores the consistent implementation of the company’s philosophy at a time when the Swiss financial industry is undergoing fundamental change. With over 5 billion Swiss francs under management, the company, founded in 2018, has positioned itself as an alternative to traditional private banks.
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Transparency as the foundation of long-term partnerships
At Novum Partners SA, Geneva, transparency is not just a word on paper. It permeates every area of the company, from the initial client consultation to regular reporting. This is more than just a buzzword. In an industry where trust is built up over decades, transparency means open communication about opportunities and risks, transparent cost structures and honest assessments. Even in difficult market phases.
This philosophy is reflected in our practical work. Clients have access to their own portal, which offers real-time insights into their investment portfolios. No nasty surprises in quarterly reports, no hidden fees. Sounds simple? In practice, it is quite challenging to implement. Wealthy families in particular often have complex structures spanning multiple jurisdictions.
The time factor in consulting
Time is a scarce commodity. Especially for wealthy families with complex structures. Novum Partners Geneva has responded to this and deliberately works with a limited number of clients. This enables intensive support that goes beyond standardised solutions. A one-to-one advisor-client ratio is not a marketing cliché, but a reality.
Why does this work? Because advisors can actually take the time to understand the complex needs of their clients. Sometimes an initial consultation takes several hours. Is this normal? Not at all. But it is necessary when it comes to wealth that has been built up over generations.
Independence as a quality feature for family office services
Independence from banking products gives the company a decisive advantage. Without their own financial products in their portfolio, the advisors can actually seek the best solution for each individual case. This asset allocation strategy is based on objective criteria, not on the sales targets of internal departments.
That sounds theoretical, but it has practical implications. For example, if a family wants to diversify its liquidity, the team looks worldwide for the best options. Not just within the in-house product range of a large bank.
Specialisation in ultra-high-net-worth families
The target group is clearly defined: families with assets that require complex structuring. This is no longer just about traditional financial investments. Estate planning, tax optimisation across multiple jurisdictions, succession planning. The challenges are diverse and usually interlinked.
Holistic approach to asset management
A typical advisory process covers various areas. The first step is to analyse existing structures. Wealthy families have often consulted various advisors over the years without anyone having an overview of the big picture.
The most important steps in the advisory process:
- Comprehensive analysis of existing asset structures and optimisation potential
- Development of an individual, long-term investment strategy
- Coordination with existing legal and tax advisors
- Regular adjustment to changing life situations and market conditions
The complexity increases significantly when families are active in different countries. The Geneva team works in 14 jurisdictions and has the relevant expertise in international issues. This is no coincidence. Many of their clients have interests in several countries.
Modern portfolios need alternative investments
In addition to traditional investments, alternative investments play an important role. Private equity, hedge funds, real estate. These asset classes require specialised know-how and often higher minimum investments. The company provides its clients with access to institutional offerings that are normally closed to private investors.
In concrete terms, this means that while private investors often only have access to private equity through funds of funds, clients can invest directly in first-class funds. The cost structure is more transparent and the potential returns are often better.
New areas of consulting: from loans to luxury goods
The needs of wealthy families go far beyond traditional financial investments. The Geneva-based company has responded to this and expanded its range of services accordingly. Credit advice is now just as much a part of the offering as advice on special purchases.
Financing solutions beyond the house bank
Lombard loans, real estate financing, art financing. The possibilities are endless. Specialised providers can often offer better terms than the family bank. Novum Partners SA, Geneva, negotiates on behalf of its clients and coordinates various credit lines.
A practical example: a family wants to buy a property in London, but has most of its assets in illiquid investments. Instead of selling these, the company arranges a Lombard loan against the existing portfolio. This is more tax-efficient and financially flexible.
Advice on luxury goods and advice on new yachts
Advice on new yachts is a relatively new field. Together with expert Benedetta Iovane, the Geneva-based company offers comprehensive yacht consulting services. Purchase, sale, charter, management. Everything from a single source. Sounds like a luxury problem? For the target group, such purchases are often investment decisions with tax and structural implications.
This can involve flag states, optimal ownership structures or charter strategies for cost optimisation. Details that can quickly become expensive if they are not taken into account.
Digitalisation meets personal service
Despite all the technology, personal contact remains central. Digital tools complement the advice, but do not replace it. Clients value the direct line to their advisor. Especially in volatile market phases.
Next-generation reporting
Reporting has evolved significantly in recent years. Instead of thick paper files, there are now interactive dashboards with varying levels of detail. Family members can view the assets from different perspectives depending on their interests and expertise.
The patriarch may only want to see the rough figures, while the son who is set to take over the family business analyses every detail. Both are possible via the same platform.
International orientation as a success factor
With its award as ‘Switzerland’s best wealth manager’, the Geneva-based company, which was at that time still named Novum Capital Partners SA, has demonstrated that its approach works. Its growth from an initial 0.8 per cent to a current market share of 3.88 per cent in just four years speaks for itself.
The multifamily office shows how the industry has developed. Away from standardised solutions and towards tailor-made concepts for complex needs. Transparency, independence and long-term partnerships. These principles have proven to be a solid foundation. It is no coincidence that the company has grown steadily and was recently honoured with one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.
