CBH Bank Hits Record Growth, Fortifies Balance Sheet Amid Headwinds

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – February 26, 2026 – By Janet Adams

In a demonstration of strategic resilience, Geneva-based CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique announced record-breaking 2025 results, achieving significant growth in assets under management (AUM) despite a challenging economic environment that has pressured the Swiss banking sector.

The family-owned international banking group saw its AUM swell to CHF 18.4 billion, a substantial increase of nearly 13% year-on-year. This impressive performance was largely propelled by robust net new money inflows of CHF 2 billion, signaling strong and renewed confidence from its private and institutional clientele. The growth outpaces that of several larger competitors and underscores the bank's successful client acquisition strategy in a competitive market.

Navigating a Challenging Financial Climate

CBH’s strong showing comes against a difficult macroeconomic backdrop that defined 2025. The Swiss banking industry contended with declining interest rates following cuts by the Swiss National Bank (SNB), which squeezed interest margins—a key revenue source. Furthermore, adverse currency movements, particularly the strength of the Swiss franc against other major currencies, created headwinds for firms with international operations.

These sector-wide pressures were reflected in CBH’s total revenues, which amounted to CHF 173.5 million. While solid, this figure was down from a record high in 2024, mirroring the broader industry trend. However, where the bank distinguished itself was in its ability to convert this challenging period into an opportunity for strategic reinforcement and long-term planning, a move that ultimately saw its net income rise.

The Strategic Cost of Future Growth

Instead of retrenching, CBH’s leadership chose to accelerate strategic investments aimed at bolstering its future capabilities. This forward-looking approach led to a planned 19% increase in operating expenses, which rose to CHF 113.5 million. The bank disclosed that investments in human capital were a primary driver, accounting for 50% of this increase. This focus on attracting and retaining top talent aligns with a competitive industry trend where skilled professionals are in high demand.

These investments were channeled into enhancing both operational and commercial capabilities, with a particular focus on solidifying the bank's position in its key markets of Switzerland and Asia. The group also continued to pour resources into its proprietary, in-house developed digital ecosystem. This platform is designed to increase automation and efficiency, benefiting both clients and relationship managers and positioning the bank as a technologically advanced player in the wealth management space.

This deliberate increase in spending, combined with the prevailing financial environment, resulted in a lower operating profit of CHF 55.7 million. However, the strategy appears to have paid off on the bottom line. After allocations to reserves, CBH delivered sustained profitability, posting a net income of CHF 37.9 million, a notable 4.7% increase compared to 2024.

"The scaling in our assets primarily reflects the quality and dedication of our teams in delivering excellence to our clients," stated Chief Executive Officer Simon Benhamou in the company's official announcement. "This momentum is essential to ensuring long-term sustainable development and supporting the Group's continued expansion."

A Fortress of Capital in a Volatile World

Perhaps the most striking figure in CBH's 2025 report is its Tier 1 capital ratio, which stands at an exceptionally strong 35.8%. This metric, a key indicator of a bank's financial stability and ability to absorb losses, places CBH in the highest echelon of well-capitalized banks in Switzerland and indeed globally.

To put this figure into perspective, it significantly exceeds both the regulatory minimums set by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) under the finalized Basel III framework and the capital ratios reported by many larger Swiss private banking institutions. For instance, major peers like Lombard Odier and Julius Baer reported CET1 ratios of 33% and 17.4%, respectively, for the same period. This positions CBH's balance sheet as a veritable fortress.

The bank's capital base was further strengthened, with consolidated shareholder equity reaching CHF 493 million, up from CHF 445 million at the end of 2024. This robust financial foundation, underscored by a reaffirmed BBB/A-2 rating from S&P Global Ratings, provides a powerful assurance of stability for the bank's clients, partners, and employees.

This exceptional capitalization not only ensures deep security for client assets but also provides the bank with significant strategic flexibility. It allows the institution to navigate market volatility from a position of strength, pursue growth opportunities without being beholden to external market financing, and continue its strategic investments in technology and talent. This financial solidity is a core part of the value proposition for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors prioritizing capital preservation and long-term stability.