Checklist: preparing a Geneva institution for the scenarios of 2035

Identify the variables on which the institution depends, choose measurable indicators for each one and set warning thresholds.
Develop at least two unfavourable scenarios and prepare the corresponding options in advance: a subsidiary, an office abroad, an acquisition, a disposal.
Maintain compliance at the most demanding level, particularly in commodity trading, crypto-assets and digital assets, and relationships with politically exposed persons.
Invest in human capital: multilingual training, talent retention, participation in the debates on the free movement of persons and on housing.
Govern technology in line with FINMA’s expectations and prepare for tokenisation and electronic identity.
Concentrate resources on the functions where Geneva has no equivalent and explicitly renounce the others.
Take part, through the umbrella organisations, in the federal and cantonal debates, in German and in French, with published data.
Review the strategy every year in the light of the scenarios and indicators, without waiting for thresholds to be crossed.

For general information only. This article does not constitute legal or tax advice, does not replace advice on an individual case and creates no lawyer-client relationship. It reflects the legal position as of September 2025.

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Dr Alexander Ressos, TEP

Rechtsanwalt/Attorney-at-Law

I am a Swiss attorney-at-law and also admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong and in England & Wales, with almost 25 years of experience.

Together with my multilingual team, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian and French native speakers, I advise companies and their owners from around the world on the full range of banking, corporate, commercial and tax law matters in Switzerland, including international tax planning, fiduciary services, and legal family office services including immigration & relocation or real estate investments. My practice has a particular focus on clients from growth and frontier markets in Greater China, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the rest of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, and I equally advise clients from Europe and North America. Through an affiliated Swiss trust company, we also take care of the incorporation and ongoing administration of their companies and other structures, including accounting, tax returns and corporate secretarial services, and I serve as a professional director where required. With the support of a network of first-class cooperation partners, I also implement solutions worldwide.

My approach is to act as a trusted advisor who works directly with decision-makers, on an equal footing: I start from what you want to achieve and shape every structure, contract and tax decision around your commercial goals and how it improves your after-tax return. As “lawyers who make it happen”, my team and I stay involved until your company is set up, your structure is in place and your transaction has closed, and we remain available for any follow-on work that may be required. You benefit from bespoke solutions and personal attention, and sound, friendly and practical advice. We are not the lowest-cost provider in the market, nor do we intend to be; our aim is to deliver well-founded, proper solutions and excellent value for money.

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