Olivier Zucker, a former Barclays Wealth director, is launching his own private client investment advisory firm, Zucker & Co. Based in London, the venture will advise clients in Switzerland, across Europe and in the Middle East.

“We don’t sell financial products so we can truly provide impartial investment advice in the very best interests of clients. We can help them achieve their investment objectives in the most efficient and cost-effective manner,” said Mr Zucker.

The firm’s work will mostly consist of offering second opinions, reviewing clients existing portfolios or simplifying financial products offered to them by their private banks. Other services include client risk profiling, developing asset allocation strategies and detailed performance analysis.

Zucker & Co will support trustees, charities and financial intermediaries with the selection of managers; choice and composition of benchmarks, and the application of asset allocation models and quantitative support for the investment process.

As a director with Barclays Wealth and the global head of products for private banking, Mr Zucker was responsible for the bank’s investment management, wealth structuring, banking and credit business. From 2006 until his departure, he oversaw the development of the ultra high net worth and family office business.