Our centres of expertise: banking & finance

Geneva's privileged position at the heart of Europe encouraged the creation of trade fairs as early as the 12^th century. The development of banking was closely linked to the trade in raw materials. From the 17^th century onwards, Geneva, with its extensive international trade networks, financed numerous companies throughout the world.

As soon as it joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815, Geneva experienced a spectacular boom in its banking sector, which was also linked to its watchmaking activity. In Switzerland, as in Europe, Geneva's banks were seen as a driving force behind industrial development. Over the past 200 years, Geneva's financial sector, its private banks in particular, has built up a reputation for reliability and confidentiality. Today, the city is one of the world's leading financial centres. It is also home to many players in sustainable finance.