Since I’m often asked by Swiss fund boutiques whether it makes sense to enter the German market, I thought: Who better to ask than Markus Hill from MH Services in Frankfurt? He is considered a proven expert on the German fund landscape – with an excellent network, a broad market overview, and extensive experience in dialogue with family offices. It is not without reason that he is often referred to as “Mr. Family Office” in the industry.
With his extensive channels to the financial markets in Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria, Markus is also well connected on LinkedIn—another good reason why we are very happy to have him back at our events in Zurich and St. Moritz in 2026. I am also already looking forward to our coffee in Frankfurt in November – and to the obligatory photo together. Thomas J. Caduff, CEO, Fundplat GmbH
Caduff: Mr. Hill, you know the fund landscape in German-speaking countries better than anyone – when the mood in Zurich is gloomy, where do you currently see rays of hope, or even reasons to be cheerful?
Hill: The topic of fund boutiques is a perennial favorite among investors, where long-term thinking is always the order of the day. Fund boutiques already have a loyal fan base, and this applies to both liquid and illiquid approaches. I am currently closely monitoring the discussion in the illiquid sector (AIF, etc.), where new players with excellent expertise from the DACH region are increasingly positioning themselves.
Caduff: Many Swiss fund boutiques want to enter the German market – I am skeptical, because even German providers are struggling in Switzerland. Is my pessimism unfounded?
Hill: Niche providers with excellent expertise and track records from Switzerland are attracting interest. It all depends on the first steps. Many things are often “orchestrated” poorly right from the start when entering the market, especially in the case of fund boutiques. This often leads to the first six months of entry being on the wrong track. Niche providers with excellent expertise and track records from Switzerland are attracting interest. If added value in the form of research, accessibility, and a “fund advisor as sparring partner” approach is also offered, this often opens the door to an initial discussion. Family offices in particular, and not only in Germany, appreciate this combination of added value on the provider side.
Caduff: Actively managed ETFs are a megatrend in the US – many providers with almost identical products are now chasing the same success in Europe. Prices will tumble, and competition will intensify. Is this also a big issue in Frankfurt – or is it just lip service?
Hill: No. Marketing, visibility, costs, and regulation—these are all areas where active ETFs can definitely score points. Cannibalization, the me-too effect, dilution of the ETF concept, etc.—here, too, the discussions are not yet over. In any case, it is worth keeping an eye on this segment.
The questions were asked by Thomas J. Caduff, CEO, Fundplat GmbH.
Link to the original interview:
Dialog & Information:
FINANZPLATZ FRANKFURT AM MAIN auf LINKEDIN – KANAL
FINANZPLATZ FRANKFURT AM MAIN auf LINKEDIN – GRUPPE
FONDSBOUTIQUEN auf LINKEDIN – KANAL
Foto: PIXABAY
Quelle: www.fundplat.com