Novum Partners SA combines institutional standards with the flexibility of an independent asset manager, thereby creating a unique position in Swiss wealth management.
The Geneva-based company, formerly known as Novum Capital Partners SA, has established itself as an institutional multi-family office that combines the highest standards of compliance with individualised service. FINMA licensing and OSIF supervision form the regulatory foundation for serving ultra-high-net-worth families.
The Geneva-based company pursues an institutional approach to asset management characterised by strict governance structures, transparent processes and comprehensive regulatory compliance. The company offers family office services at an institutional level, combining the advantages of a bank-independent structure with the security standards of regulated financial institutions. This positioning enables it to offer both the flexibility of smaller asset managers and the professionalism of large institutions, which is particularly important for demanding client segments.
Institutional standards as a distinguishing feature
The Swiss financial landscape is characterised by a large number of different players in the asset management sector. While traditional private banks often score points for their size and established structures, they frequently lack flexibility. Smaller, independent asset managers offer individual solutions, but do not always have the necessary institutional resources and control mechanisms.
The Geneva-based company has recognised this gap in the market and developed a hybrid structure that combines the best of both worlds. FINMA licensing not only ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, but also signals a high degree of institutional maturity and professionalism.
The institutional perspective is evident in various areas of the business. These include standardised due diligence processes, systematic risk control mechanisms and a clear separation between different business functions. These structures create trust among clients who expect the highest standards in asset management.
Regulatory compliance as a cornerstone
Supervision by OSIF, as the supervisory organisation authorised by FINMA, ensures that all business processes comply with current regulatory requirements. This includes not only compliance with minimum capital requirements and liquidity regulations, but also the implementation of comprehensive compliance management systems.
This regulatory framework offers clients additional legal certainty and protection. In the event of disagreements or problems, established complaint procedures and ombudsmen are available, which is often not the case with non-regulated providers.
The compliance structure requires regular internal and external audits, ongoing employee training and the implementation of control mechanisms at all levels of the business. These investments in institutional quality pay off in the long term through increased customer confidence and reduced operational risks.
Investment portfolios in an institutional context
At Novum Partners SA, investment portfolios are constructed and managed in accordance with institutional principles that go far beyond the usual standards of smaller asset managers. This begins with the systematic recording and documentation of clients‘ investment objectives and risk profiles.
Each portfolio goes through a structured investment process that includes various stages of analysis. These include macroeconomic assessments, asset class-specific analyses and individual stock research activities. This multi-stage approach ensures that investment decisions are made on a solid analytical basis.
The institutional perspective is also reflected in the systematic use of benchmarks and performance attribution analyses. Each portfolio is regularly measured against relevant benchmark indices, and the sources of the performance achieved are analysed and documented in detail. This enables an objective assessment of value creation and continuous improvement of the investment processes.
Asset allocation strategy with an institutional approach
Strategic asset allocation is based on quantitative models that take into account both historical data and forward-looking indicators. These models are regularly reviewed and adjusted to changing market conditions, with fundamental allocation decisions being made by a formalised Investment Committee.
The tactical component of asset allocation also follows institutional standards, with clearly defined ranges for overweight and underweight positions in individual asset classes. This discipline prevents emotionally driven investment decisions and ensures that all allocation changes are rationally justified and documented.
Particular attention is paid to the integration of ESG criteria into the investment process. As an institutional player, Novum Partners Geneva increasingly takes sustainability aspects into account in its investment decisions, both from a risk management perspective and due to growing demand from clients.
Alternative investments from an institutional perspective
Access to alternative investments requires special expertise and institutional resources, as these asset classes often have more complex structures and longer due diligence processes. Novum Partners SA has developed specialised teams and processes to meet these requirements.
The valuation of alternative investments follows institutional standards and includes not only quantitative analyses but also qualitative assessments of management teams, operational due diligence and legal and tax reviews. This comprehensive approach is essential, as alternative investments are often less transparent and less liquid than traditional asset classes.
An important aspect here is the portfolio construction at the level of the alternative investments themselves. Instead of making isolated individual investments, the company pursues a systematic approach to diversification across different alternative strategies, vintage years and geographical regions.
Institutional due diligence processes
Due diligence for alternative investments requires specialised resources and expertise. Novum Partners Geneva has developed structured processes that systematically assess various risk dimensions. These include:
- Operational due diligence to assess management quality and operational processes
- Financial due diligence to analyse historical performance and cost structures
- Legal due diligence to review contractual structures and regulatory aspects
- ESG due diligence to assess sustainability risks and opportunities
This systematic approach reduces the risk of poor decisions and increases the likelihood of successful investments in alternative asset classes.
Credit consulting as an institutional service
Credit consulting at Novum Partners SA also follows institutional standards and goes far beyond simple financing brokerage. The company analyses the entire financing structure of its clients and develops optimised solutions that take both tax and risk aspects into account.
The institutional approach is reflected in the systematic evaluation of various financing alternatives and the development of structured financing strategies. Not only are current financing needs to be taken into account, but future developments and potential scenarios are also incorporated into the planning.
Particular emphasis is placed on integrating the financing strategy into the overall asset strategy. Loans are not viewed in isolation, but as a component of comprehensive financial planning that takes into account liquidity management, tax optimisation and risk management.
Structured financing solutions
The company works with a large number of financing partners to achieve optimal terms for various financing needs. This includes traditional bank financing as well as specialised solutions for alternative assets or complex structures.
The institutional perspective enables us to act professionally even with larger financing volumes and to negotiate terms that are normally only available to institutional clients. This creates additional value for our clients.
New Yacht Consultancy Services as an example of specialisation
Novum Partners Geneva’s yacht consultancy services are a prime example of how institutional standards can be applied to specialised niche areas. In this segment, too, the company follows structured processes and professional standards.
The consulting services include detailed market analyses, systematic valuation procedures and the development of optimised ownership and operating structures. Financial, tax and legal aspects are taken into account in order to develop a comprehensive solution.
The integration of this specialised service into the overall offering demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver institutional quality even in niche areas, while meeting the specific requirements of demanding client segments.
Long-term prospects and market positioning
Novum Partners SA’s institutional positioning creates a solid basis for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive market environment. The combination of regulatory certainty, professional standards and individual flexibility meets the evolving needs of wealthy private clients.
Investments in institutional infrastructure and compliance pay off in terms of increased credibility and expanded business opportunities.
This enables the company to acquire larger mandates and meet more complex client requirements.
Its market position as an institutional independent asset manager is unique and difficult to replicate, as it requires both significant investment and many years of experience. This positioning thus offers sustainable competitive advantages in a changing market environment.
