UBS Group: Overview and Account Opening Guide

UBS Group AG, founded in 1862 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious wealth management institutions. Following its 2023 acquisition of Credit Suisse, UBS has further solidified its dominance in the Swiss and global private banking sector.

As of 2025, UBS ranks among the top 20 global banks by market capitalization, serving clients in over 50 countries. While UBS offers investment banking and asset management, it is best known for private banking and wealth management for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).

Bank Profile

• Founded: 1862 (modern UBS formed in 1998 merger of Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation)
• Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
• Market Cap (2025): ~USD 240 billion
• Global Presence: 50+ countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, London, and New York
• Key Services: Wealth management and private banking Investment banking and advisory Asset management for institutions Corporate and institutional banking Swiss retail banking (limited to Switzerland)

Why Choose UBS?

• World’s leading private banking and wealth management provider
• Strong Swiss banking reputation for stability and confidentiality
• Global presence in all major financial hubs
• Exclusive services for wealthy individuals, families, and institutions
• Expertise in cross-border investment, ESG, and sustainable finance

Account Types Available

1. Private Banking & Wealth Management Accounts Minimum entry: typically USD 2–5 million+ in investable assets Services include portfolio management, estate planning, family office solutions, and alternative investments
2. Corporate & Institutional Accounts For multinational companies, investment funds, and institutional investors Services include treasury, financing, M&A advisory, and global custody
3. Swiss Retail Banking (Domestic Only) Checking and savings accounts (for Swiss residents) Mortgages and lending services

Account Opening Requirements

For Individuals (Private Banking):

• Valid passport or national ID
• Proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement)
• Proof of wealth/funds (bank statements, investment portfolio, audited financials)
• Tax identification number (FATCA/CRS compliance)
• Minimum investable assets of USD 2–5M+

For Corporate Clients:

• Certificate of Incorporation / Business license
• Articles of Association
• Proof of registered office address
• Financial statements
• Identification of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners

For Swiss Residents (Retail Banking):

• Swiss-issued ID or passport
• Proof of residence in Switzerland
• Employment or income details

Step-by-Step Account Opening Process

1. Initial Contact For private clients: approach UBS via relationship managers in Zurich, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, or New York. Corporate clients: contact UBS’s corporate banking division.
2. Document Submission Submit identification, proof of residence, and financial documentation.
3. Compliance Review UBS conducts detailed due diligence (KYC/AML). Wealth origin verification is mandatory for private banking.
4. Approval Timeline Private banking: 4–6 weeks Corporate accounts: 3–5 weeks Swiss retail accounts: 5–10 business days
5. Account Activation Clients receive access to UBS e-banking, portfolio management tools, and dedicated advisors.

Advantages & Considerations

Advantages

• Global leader in private wealth management
• Swiss reputation for stability and client confidentiality
• Exclusive access to premium investment opportunities
• Strong international footprint

Considerations

• Very high entry threshold (USD 2–5M+) for private banking
• Retail banking is only available in Switzerland
• Stringent compliance and wealth verification requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can foreigners open a UBS account in Singapore?
A1: Yes, but typically through UBS Wealth Management. Minimum investable assets are required (USD 2M+).

Q2: Does UBS still maintain Credit Suisse services?
A2: UBS absorbed Credit Suisse in 2023. Most of Credit Suisse’s private banking services have been integrated into UBS.

Q3: What is UBS best known for?
A3: UBS is globally recognized as the world’s #1 private banking and wealth management institution for HNWIs and UHNWIs.

Internal Link

• Link from Global Top 20 Banks by Market Cap 2025 → “UBS Group” anchor text
• Related banks: [Credit Suisse (Legacy) Guide], [BNP Paribas Overview], [Morgan Stanley Account Opening]

UBS, UBS Group, Swiss banks, account opening, private banking, wealth management, corporate banking

About the Author

Helen Lili – Editor, Research Lead
Helen leads tariff analysis and product change tracking. She maintains the normalized dataset that powers our comparison tables and ensures each claim links back to a dated primary source. Read more articles