2023-04-132023-04-13https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/58752Banks in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein are traditionally strong in private banking. Up until now, a large share of the assets managed came from non-Swiss clients. However, following political stabilisation in many emerging markets and increasing regulatory requirements in the western world, clients have shown a growing interest in utilising private banking facilities in their home countries. As a result, banks are increasingly expanding abroad. Judging by reports and interviews published in the media, onshore banking is focusing on the Middle East and Far East. So far, however, representative data on internationalisation has been missing. This is the focus of the present study. Based on a survey carried out amongst the Chief Executive Officers of banks in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, the study provides a representative picture of key aspects of the process of internationalisation. For example, it throws light on the importance of internationalisation to banks and the geographical regions preferred. While the results confirm many assumptions, they also provide unexpected results. Surprisingly, for most banks the next step toward expansion does not lead to the Far East, but to geographic regions much closer to home. The results of this study provide insight into the internationalisation trends. Moreover, the results will permit comparisons between the internationalisation strategy of your financial institution to general trends and the identification of potential for action.InternationalizationBankPrivate Bankingbenchmarking project