SAQ CWMA certification with full training
Category
Private Banking & Asset Management
Level
Expertise
Format
Presential
Duration
10 non-consecutive days
Language
French
English
English
Location
ISFB Geneva premises
Director
Thierry Lacraz
Manager
Lionel Blanc
Type
SAQ Certifications
Description
Prices & Admission
Content
Testimonials
Stakeholders
Context
The SAQ Client Advisor Bank certification system was developed in close collaboration with the Swiss banking industry, and is recommended by Swiss Banking (SBA) to its members. The SAQ certificate is a guarantee of quality, attesting that the holder has the skills and is familiar with the rules of conduct defined for the client advisor profession.
Key objectives
- Prepare for the exams in a structured and comprehensive way, with face-to-face training and comprehensive, constantly updated learning materials.
- Pass the SAQ and CWMA exams, with the option of individual SAQ preparation coaching. You must obtain a minimum score of 70% in each of the two written exams, with no average being calculated between the two tests. Once you have passed both written tests, you can register for the oral exam. A score of at least 70% is also required to pass. Passing all three tests (A, B, oral) awards SAQ CWMA certification. Make-up exams, if any, will be invoiced.
- As an accredited external SAQ examination institute, we handle the organizational and administrative aspects of registration and follow-up in the SAQ register.
- Pass the SAQ and CWMA exams, with the option of individual SAQ preparation coaching. You must obtain a minimum score of 70% in each of the two written exams, with no average being calculated between the two tests. Once you have passed both written tests, you can register for the oral exam. A score of at least 70% is also required to pass. Passing all three tests (A, B, oral) awards SAQ CWMA certification. Make-up exams, if any, will be invoiced.
- As an accredited external SAQ examination institute, we handle the organizational and administrative aspects of registration and follow-up in the SAQ register.
Target audience
The SAQ Wealth Management Advisor CWMA certificate is intended for client advisors who assume responsibility for clients in one of the following segments or a related segment with a FINMA-approved bank or an independent asset manager (affiliated to a self-regulatory organization or authorized by FINMA):
- Wealth Management
- Wealth Management
- Specialized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth clients (UHNWI & Family Offices)
The advisor has:
The required technical knowledge of products and services in accordance with the scope and terms of the Wealth Management Advisor program;
Demonstrable skills and competence in advising clients in one of the indicated segments;
Sufficient knowledge of the rules of conduct defined in the legal provisions to be able to advise clients in the segment concerned.
Holders of a CWMA Wealth Management Advisor certificate may use the title "Certified Wealth Management Advisor" or "Certified SAQ Client Advisor".
- Wealth Management
- Wealth Management
- Specialized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth clients (UHNWI & Family Offices)
The advisor has:
The required technical knowledge of products and services in accordance with the scope and terms of the Wealth Management Advisor program;
Demonstrable skills and competence in advising clients in one of the indicated segments;
Sufficient knowledge of the rules of conduct defined in the legal provisions to be able to advise clients in the segment concerned.
Holders of a CWMA Wealth Management Advisor certificate may use the title "Certified Wealth Management Advisor" or "Certified SAQ Client Advisor".
Stakeholders
ISFB lecturers have been working in the banking and financial world for many years, and are recognized as some of the leading experts in our ecosystem in French-speaking Switzerland.
Practical information
A preparation program tailored to your needs
For wealth managers who wish to review the entire curriculum and benefit from group support. Upon completion of this program, participants will receive the SAQ CWMA Certification.
10 days of training covering the entire SAQ knowledge base as well as:
- Full administrative and reporting support with SAQ
- Registration fee for the SAQ certificate included in the package
- 1 access to the self-study portal
- 2 placement tests (Part A & Part B)
- 2 written exams (Part A & Part B)
- 2 half-days of group review
- 1 day of group oral exam preparation
- 1 final oral exam
Key steps
A comprehensive placement test is offered at the start of the program to help participants quickly identify their knowledge gaps. Based on the assessment of their needs, participants can then tailor their learning using the training sessions offered as well as the self-study materials available to them.
It is still possible to take the exams without prior preparation.
At each stage, participants may request individualized preparation sessions (technical coaching), particularly if they fail an exam.
At the end of the program, once all exams have been passed, participants eligible for certification are awarded their SAQ CWMA Certificate.
Participants who only partially meet the eligibility criteria for certification are awarded an SAQ CWMA Attestation.
Participants who do not meet any of the eligibility criteria for certification have the option to take specific exams to obtain the ISFB Private Banking Advanced Certificate.
For wealth managers who wish to review the entire curriculum and benefit from group support. Upon completion of this program, participants will receive the SAQ CWMA Certification.
10 days of training covering the entire SAQ knowledge base as well as:
- Full administrative and reporting support with SAQ
- Registration fee for the SAQ certificate included in the package
- 1 access to the self-study portal
- 2 placement tests (Part A & Part B)
- 2 written exams (Part A & Part B)
- 2 half-days of group review
- 1 day of group oral exam preparation
- 1 final oral exam
Key steps
A comprehensive placement test is offered at the start of the program to help participants quickly identify their knowledge gaps. Based on the assessment of their needs, participants can then tailor their learning using the training sessions offered as well as the self-study materials available to them.
It is still possible to take the exams without prior preparation.
At each stage, participants may request individualized preparation sessions (technical coaching), particularly if they fail an exam.
At the end of the program, once all exams have been passed, participants eligible for certification are awarded their SAQ CWMA Certificate.
Participants who only partially meet the eligibility criteria for certification are awarded an SAQ CWMA Attestation.
Participants who do not meet any of the eligibility criteria for certification have the option to take specific exams to obtain the ISFB Private Banking Advanced Certificate.
Price
- Public: CHF 10,570
- Member: CHF 7'950.00
CWP1
Kick-off session
Content: Brief introduction to certification and introduction to the process and next steps
Duration: 1h00
Format: Online
CWP2
Positioning test A
Duration: 2h30
Format: In-person
CWP3
Positioning test B
Duration: 2h30
Format: In-person
CWP4
Financial assets
Contents: This chapter describes the main classes of financial assets, in particular equities and bonds. It describes the organization of these markets and the different ways of investing in them. The chapter also describes the valuation mechanisms of these asset classes, their sensitivity to the economic and financial environment, and the risks associated with their use. The chapter also describes the organization and operation of alternative asset classes such as hedge funds, commodities and real estate.
Duration: 4h00
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: YAU Ed
CWP5
Financial markets
Contents: The chapter is devoted to describing financial markets and how they operate, both from the investor's point of view and from that of the regulatory authorities. The functioning of the economy is also outlined, given the close interconnection between monetary and fiscal policies and the performance of financial assets. Finally, this chapter looks at the foreign exchange market, which is of major importance to all multinational and export-oriented companies.
Duration: 4h00
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: MAEDER Yves
CWP6
Portfolio management
Contents: The chapter is devoted to the investment process and portfolio construction. It explains the notion of market efficiency and the central principle that higher returns can only be achieved by taking greater risks. This chapter describes the mechanisms used to build portfolios, as well as the ratios used to measure performance.
Duration: 6h00
Format: In-person
Possible contributors: SERBIT Julien
CWP7
Basic products
Content: Payment transactions have always been at the heart of banking. For customers, basic products such as savings books and credit cards are important for two reasons: good asset management can slightly improve returns, while minimizing the amount of money spent on pure payment transactions. This chapter reviews the banks' product offering, and in particular the development of more innovative products (credit cards, applications available on smartphones, etc.).
Duration: 2h00
Format: In-person
Possible contributors: SERBIT Julien
CWP8
Derivatives
Contents: This chapter examines options, which have the advantage over other traditional assets of taking into account the volatility of the underlying assets. The options market is relatively old, but has grown considerably in recent decades. After describing the main families of options (calls/puts) and their investment methods (long buy/short sell), the chapter goes on to analyze the most common investment strategies using options (portfolio hedging, short put or covered call strategies).
Duration: 8h00
Format: In-person
Possible contributors: PATRY Anais
CWP9
Structured Products
Content: Structured products are an extension of the use of options in an investment portfolio. Generally made up of a fixed-income instrument and options, structured products offer a wide range of payoff possibilities, enabling real customization for clients. This chapter examines the various components of pricing, as well as the four main families of structured products. The sales and customer communication process is particularly important for structured products, which often have low liquidity and are sensitive to sharp market reversals.
Duration: 4h00
Format: In-person
Possible contributors: PATRY Anais
CWP10
Behavioural Finance
Content: Financial theory assumes that all investors are rational in their choices, given optimal market information. In practice, however, this model has its shortcomings, and fails to take into account the different biases in investor behavior. This chapter takes stock of the recent discipline of behavioral finance and identifies the main cognitive or emotional biases in investor behavior. It concludes with an important chapter on the possible interaction between client and advisor in the event of the discovery of one or more of these biases.
Duration: 4h00
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: MAEDER Yves
CWP11
Investment Funds
Contents: Investment funds are very popular with investors because of the instant diversification they bring to portfolios. This chapter looks at the main families of investment funds, as well as the structure of an investment fund, its regulation and the different orders that can be placed. Investment funds provide an introduction to the more general issue of the respective merits - and costs - of active and passive management, and more generally to the notion of open-architecture portfolio construction.
Duration: 6h45
Format: In-person
Possible contributors: GROSSEN Jan
CWP12
Mock exam A
Duration: 2h30
Format: In-person
CWP13
General overhaul A
Content: Structured review of all Part A modules, accompanied by an interactive question-and-answer session to consolidate acquired knowledge.
Duration: 4h00
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: VIALIS Nicolas
CWP14
Final exam A
Duration: 2h30
Format: In-person
CWP15
Investment solutions
Contents: This chapter deals with the very important stage of advising bank customers on financial products, and in particular the types of mandate that can be offered to customers. Regulatory developments mean that a customer's risk profile must be taken into account, and how it may change over time. It also examines the solutions offered by the contribution of alternative assets or socially responsible investments to portfolio construction, as well as products linked to liquidity management.
Duration: 8h00
Format: In-person
Possible contributors: LEUTWYLER Sébastien
CWP16
Wealth planning
Content: This chapter examines investment from the broader perspective of planning for all client assets, including real estate and industrial holdings. The chapter includes elements relating to Swiss legislation and, more generally, to the planning of international clients. It examines the concepts of estate planning, private and occupational pension provision in Switzerland, and generic elements of taxation. Finally, it covers the essential concepts of international planning in relation to the establishment of foundations, trusts and life insurance.
Duration: 8h00
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: GALLEGOS Albert
CWP17
Financial Advisor
Contents: This chapter is a kind of end point and summary of all the previous chapters. It describes the specific activity of the client advisor, and the role and added value he can bring to his client, particularly in the case of UHNWI clients, for whom aspects such as the transfer of the business within the family or legal advice can take on great importance. It also takes stock of all the innovations in the banking sector, mainly digital, and the offer that banks intend to develop.
Duration: 8h00
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: AMICHIA Alexandre
CWP18
Compliance
Content: Customer relations regulations have evolved enormously over the last few decades, to the point of forming an impressive corpus that every relationship manager needs to master. This relatively long chapter covers all regulatory aspects, from the very organization of risk control within banks to the practical aspects and best practices to be acquired by all Front Office staff in their day-to-day work.
Duration: 8h00
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: DE BOCCARD Guillaume
CWP19
Mortgages
Contents: The level of mortgage indebtedness is high in Switzerland, and it is rare to see a property purchase without financing through one or more mortgages. This chapter, devoted exclusively to mortgages in Switzerland, explains the mortgage market, its players and how it works. It describes the main factors that can influence the pricing of a mortgage.
Duration: 2h00
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: GIROD Philippe
CWP20
Credit solutions
Content: Loans are a means of introducing leverage into a customer's portfolio performance. As with companies, individuals can seek to take advantage of favorable interest-rate market conditions to increase the return on their portfolio. This chapter reviews the process by which banks decide whether or not to grant credit to their customers, and explains the extremely important notion of risk management for both the customer and the bank, through the mechanism of margin calls. This activity requires a clear understanding of potential risks on the part of both the advisor and the customer.
Running time: 3h45
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: GIROD Philippe
CWP21
Mock exam B
Duration: 2h30
Format: In-person
CWP22
General overhaul B
Content: Structured review of all Part B modules, accompanied by an interactive question-and-answer session to consolidate acquired knowledge.
Duration: 4h00
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: AMICHIA Alexandre
CWP23
Final exam B
Duration: 2h30
Format: In-person
CWP24
Preparing to speak
Content: Practical exercise and role-play of a customer meeting in preparation for the oral exam.
Duration: 8h00
Format: In-person
Possible speakers: MERINO Juan
CWP25
Oral examination
Format: In-person
SAQ certification: interview with Maryse Gabbay and Thierry Lacraz
Maryse Gabbay - Certifications Manager, Thierry Lacraz - SAQ CWMA Preparation Program Manager
"We are committed to ensuring that every candidate experiences a real improvement in their professional skills and that, ultimately, both they and their employer enjoy a positive 'customer' experience."
Read the interview
Interview with Danièle Felley: Guaranteeing Financial Advisor Excellence with ISFB SAQ CWMA Certification
Danièle Felley - ISFB exam expert
"The ISFB doesn't just train candidates to pass an exam: it prepares them to excel in their profession."
Read the interview
Interview with Thierry Lacraz: The SAQ CWMA program, essential training for private banking professionals
Thierry Lacraz - SAQ CWMA Preparation Program Manager
"This training course is aimed at anyone who is in regular contact with high net worth private clients, both in Switzerland and in subsidiaries abroad, whether they are young relationship managers fresh out of university or more experienced colleagues looking to update their banking, financial, and regulatory knowledge."
Read the interview
Ed YAU
Ed is Senior Fund Manager and Head of ESG at Piguet Galland
, Director of Engagement – Asia Research and Engagement, 2018
, Head of Research – Ellis Munro Asset Management, 2013
, Director of Engagement – Asia Research and Engagement, 2018
, Head of Research – Ellis Munro Asset Management, 2013
Yves MAEDER
Yves débute sa carrière auprès du Credit Suisse à Zürich puis rejoint des banques privées de renom telles que la LGT Bank et la banque Piguet Galland & Cie. Fort de son expérience bancaire, il décide de donner un nouveau tournant à sa carrière professionnelle en 2013 et s’oriente vers le métier de gérant indépendant. Il a rejoint Kessler Gestion SA en avril 2021.
Julien SERBIT
Julien Serbit has been a member of Prime Partners' investment committee since 2016 and is co-head of asset allocation.
He is also a multi-asset and equity product manager.
Julien has over 20 years of investment experience with Lombard Odier, Pictet, Reyl, and Prime Partners.
He is also a multi-asset and equity product manager.
Julien has over 20 years of investment experience with Lombard Odier, Pictet, Reyl, and Prime Partners.
Anais PATRY
Anaïs Patry holds a BA (Hons) in International Business Administration from Nottingham Trent University (UK) and an MSc in Finance from EDHEC Business School (France). After starting her career in 2011 as a Credit and Market Risk Analyst at BNP Paribas (Paris), she gained solid experience in the investment field as a structured product salesperson (Leonteq (Monaco, Geneva), Vontobel (Geneva)) and portfolio manager at a Multi Family Office based in Geneva. She joined Banque Syz in March 2022 as an Investment Advisor with the aim of advising High and Ultra High Net Worth clients on cross-asset investment opportunities and managing the development of the Bank's structured product offering.
Jan GROSSEN
Jan is a wealth management advisor specializing in executives and entrepreneurs at Julius Bär Bank in Geneva. He has been working in the banking sector since 1995 and has been active in wealth management for domestic clients for nearly 20 years. Jan worked at UBS before joining Julius Bär in 2019. He has been an occasional trainer at the ISFB since 2011 for various branches related to wealth management. He holds a Federal Certificate of Specialization in Banking Economics and a Federal Diploma of Expertise in Finance and Investments, certified as an "International Wealth Manager CIWM."
Nicolas VIALIS
Nicolas is an experienced fund manager who follows a well-defined investment process, using a quantitative/fundamental approach and ESG filters. He specializes in Swiss equities and global equities. He has been teaching investment, ESG, and portfolio management to senior executives for 15 years.
Sebastian LEUTWYLER
Sébastien est titulaire d’un Masters en économie de l’université de Genève, d’un MBA en Stratégie & Management de la Stockholm School of Economics et Hong Kong University et de la certification d’administrateur de sociétés de la Swiss Board School. Il est, par ailleurs, titulaire du Diplôme Fédéral d’Expert en Finance et Investissement, certifié CIWM (Certified International Wealth Manager), CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) et CESGA (certified ESG Analyst).
Albert GALLEGOS
A Swiss lawyer with a Master's degree in international law from the University of Lausanne, he holds an MBA from HEC-Unil Lausanne and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Neuchâtel. He also holds the title of Certified Wealth Management Advisor (
) from SAQ Swiss Association for Quality.
He has extensive experience in financial planning (taxation, pensions, investments, real estate, matrimonial and inheritance law), gained while working at a bank as director of the Wealth Solutions business unit.
He regularly publishes articles on financial issues and leads seminars and conferences. He is also co-author of the books "Le guide de votre prévoyance" (Your Pension Guide) and "Guide de vos finances personnelles" (Your Personal Finance Guide).
) from SAQ Swiss Association for Quality.
He has extensive experience in financial planning (taxation, pensions, investments, real estate, matrimonial and inheritance law), gained while working at a bank as director of the Wealth Solutions business unit.
He regularly publishes articles on financial issues and leads seminars and conferences. He is also co-author of the books "Le guide de votre prévoyance" (Your Pension Guide) and "Guide de vos finances personnelles" (Your Personal Finance Guide).
Alexandre AMICHIA
Alexandre est spécialiste hautement qualifié en solutions d'investissement, avec plus de 10 ans d'expérience professionnelle, alliant des compétences avancées en leadership, en gestion des risques financiers (certifications CAIA, FRM), en science des données (COS Applied Data Science - EPFL), en gestion du personnel et des compétences transversales approfondies dans la négociation et la mise en œuvre de solutions d'investissement complexes.
Guillaume DE BOCCARD
Guillaume a acquis une expérience spécifique en exerçant au barreau de Genève, en travaillant chez Credit Suisse à Zurich et en tant que membre de l'équipe chargée des projets juridiques et réglementaires chez Pictet & Cie, où il a notamment travaillé sur les projets Rubik, FATCA, Cross-border et CFTC. Il a fondé de Boccard Conseil SA en réponse à la demande croissante de conformité aux nouvelles réglementations financières et afin de développer une collaboration constructive, fructueuse et durable avec les institutions financières et les intermédiaires. Guillaume de Boccard est associé gérant de Geneva Compliance Group, une société qui fournit des services de conseil en matière de conformité et de déclaration fiscale aux institutions financières depuis la fusion de de Boccard Conseil SA.
Philippe GIROD
Philippe est titulaire d'un Bachelor of Science HES-SO en économie d'entreprise de la Haute Ecole de Gestion de Genève, avec spécialisation en Banque et Finance, je bénéficie d'une solide expérience bancaire. Ayant travaillé avec la clientèle internationale et Suisse, j'ai développé mes compétences aussi bien dans le domaine des placements que dans le domaine des financements. Mon CAS en Fusions, Acquisitions et transmissions d'entreprises me permet de conseiller les entrepreneurs souhaitant transmettre/vendre leur entreprise et ceux souhaitant acquérir une nouvelle société.
Juan Merino
Juan is a versatile trainer in consulting and sales, an executive coach, and a human resources specialist with 25 years of experience in talent development, leadership consulting, skills assessment, learning, and communication projects.
Information
A question about this service? Our manager is at your disposal
Category
Private Banking & Asset Management
Level
Expertise
Format
Presential
Duration
10 non-consecutive days
Language
French
English
English
Location
ISFB Geneva premises
Director
Thierry Lacraz
Manager
Lionel Blanc
Type
SAQ Certifications
Information
A question about this service? Our manager is at your disposal
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