Private Banking In Europe

For centuries private bankers owned and managed their banks, usually with unlimited liability.In the mid-19th century they faced increasing competition. This book traces the rise and decline of this original form of banking, and its revival in the late 20th century as a response to the development of a new market - the management of personal wealth.

Private bankers have been defined as owner-managers of their bank, irrespective of their type of activity, which could be in any field of banking, sometimes in conjunction with another one, especially commerce in the earlier periods. Analysing the experiences of European private bankers from the early modern period to the early twenty-first century, this book starts by examining the slow emergence of specialist private bankers, largely from amongst those who provided commercial credit. This initial consideration culminates in a focus upon the roles that they played, both during the onset of the continent's industrialization, and in orchestrating the finances of the emerging world economy. Its second theme is private banking's waning importance with the rise of joint-stock competitors, which became increasingly apparent in Britain during the mid-nineteenth century, and elsewhere within Europe some decades later. Lastly, attention is paid to the decline of private bankers in the twentieth century -a protracted and uneven decline, combined with the persistence and even the enduring success of some segments of the profession. It concludes with the revival of private banking in the late twentieth century as a response to the development of a new market - the management of personal wealth.

Private banking is one of the highest growth and most profitable financial businesses in Europe. A large proportion of the market remains untapped and the 1990s are likely to bring significant expansion in developing countries. Private Banking in Europe provides new insights into the private banking industry, its growth and future, and emerging opportunities for private bankers and their clients. It debates the importance of global and local service; the potential dichotomy between the wealthy and the successful, and considers the private banking industry. A comparison of key players and their chosen markets and strategies is complemented by an exploration of the growth of intermediaries and unexpected competitiors. The work also includes a study of non-European influences. The book offers a valuable insight into private banking, through the eyes of the bankers themselves. The final chapter is devoted to private bankers' own view of their industry, their competition and future directions.

This is a full and authoritative account of the history of private banking, beginning with its development in conjunction with the world markets served by and centred on a few European cities, notably Amsterdam and London. These banks were usually partnerships, a form of organization which persisted as the role of private banking changed in response to the political and economic transformations of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was in this period, and the succeeding Golden Age of private banking from 1815 to the 1870s, that many of the great names this book treats rose to fame: Baring, Rothschild, Mallet and Hottinger became synonymous with wealth and economic power, as German, French and the remarkably long-lasting Geneva banks flourished and expanded. The last parts of this study detail the way in which private banking adapted to the age of the corporate economy from the 1870s to the 1930s, the decline during and after the Great Depression and the post-war renaissance. It concludes with an appraisal of the causes and consequences of the modern expansion of private banking: no longer the exclusive preserve of partnerships, the management of investment portfolios of wealthy individuals and institutions is now a major concern of international joint-stock banks.

The first comprehensive professional guide to the workings and structure of the international private banking marketplace, this book details the services available, the key players, the distinctive characteristics of, pressure upon and trends within this traditionally very closed financial market. It begins with an analysis of the industry including an invaluable guide to private banking providers. The author then goes on to examine the profitability of private banking and then covers the structures and strategies which are necessary for private banking to work. The book concludes with an overview of the market trends and characteristics.

Wealth management is one of the areas in which banks and other personal financial services players are investing heavily. But the market is changing fast. Going forward, players therefore need to adapt their strategies to the new realities: what worked in the past will not, for the most part, be appropriate in the future. This unique book, written by a former McKinsey consultant, offers an up-to-date, detailed, practical understanding of this exciting area of financial services.

An insightful overview of the keys to world-class client service in the private banking sector As the number of wealthy individuals around the world increases, private banking and wealth management companies have grown to keep pace. After the fast growth the long term success is predicated on both winning and keeping clients, making a client-centric model a must. Private Banking: Building a Culture of Excellence provides a clear, easy-to-follow guide to building a committed base, written by an industry expert. Presenting an overview of the elements required to build a successful and client-focused private bank that delivers the kind of care and excellence wealthy clients demand, the book even includes real-life examples for a better understanding of concepts and, to help you achieve your goal. Outlines how to implement a practical strategy for success in the growing private banking sector Explores the key drivers in the private banking industry as well as the most recent developments in the environment to help you stay on top of customer demands Includes case studies and other resources to show the keys to private banking done right in action Private Banking provides useful, hands-on advice for building a strong, lasting business in the private banking sector.