We talk to Switzerland-headquartered SpeciTec, sponsor of this news service's recent awards programme in the Alpine state, about its strategy, the proper way to think about AI and its impact, and more.

Geneva-headquartered firm, SpeciTec – interviewed here by this news service in late January – has offered more insights to WealthBriefing on its strategy and thoughts about the wealth management sector in Switzerland and beyond. We talked to Franck Oliger (main picture), SpeciTec CEO and senior partner. (SpeciTec was also a sponsor for the Thirteenth European Swiss Awards 2026, with the results announced here.)

WealthBriefing: From your point of view, how well is SpeciTec doing in helping to take the industry in a better direction?
Oliger: At SpeciTec, we have always believed that our role goes beyond technology. We are here to help shape the future of private banking alongside our clients.

We act as a catalyst – bringing innovation, challenging the status quo, and anticipating what comes next. Today, this naturally includes AI, but not as an end in itself. For us, AI is a means to elevate decision-making, strengthen risk control, and unlock new sources of performance. The direction we are helping drive is very clear: a private banking industry that is more intelligent, more efficient, and more resilient – without ever losing what makes it unique: trust and human judgment.

Progress, in our view, is not about disruption for the sake of it. It is about “evolution with purpose” – combining technological advancement with business relevance and control.

WB: Let’s look at Switzerland – how much more headroom do you have in this market, and what sort of business opportunities do you see?
Oliger: Switzerland remains one of the most important and promising markets for us.

It is a global benchmark for private banking excellence, but it is also entering a new phase of transformation. The next frontier is not just digitalisation – it is “intelligent banking,” where data, automation, and AI enhance every layer of decision-making.

There is still significant headroom, because many institutions are only beginning to unlock this potential. The opportunity is not to reinvent the model, but to “augment it” – to make it more responsive, more scalable, and more precise.

For SpeciTec, this creates a unique space to bring innovation that is ambitious, but also deeply aligned with the expectations of a market that demands excellence, stability, and trust.

WB: The awards in Geneva showcased variety and innovation. What sort of developments excite you, and why?
Oliger: What excites me most is innovation that elevates people.

Private banking is, and will remain, a human business. The real opportunity of technology – and especially AI – is to remove complexity, sharpen insight, and allow professionals to focus on what truly creates value: relationships, judgment, and strategic thinking. The most meaningful innovations are those that are seamlessly embedded into daily work – where technology becomes almost invisible, but its impact is undeniable. We are entering a phase where systems are no longer just tools, but “intelligent companions” that support decisions in real time. That is a profound shift – and a very exciting one.

WB: What’s your view on how well the industry is handling AI?
Oliger: The industry is at an inflection point.

Some players have already embraced AI as a strategic capability and are building it progressively, with discipline and clear use cases. Others are still observing, which is understandable in a sector where trust, governance, and accountability are critical. But what is becoming clear is that AI is not a trend – it is a structural evolution.

The real question is not whether to adopt it, but “how to integrate it responsibly and effectively.” Those who succeed will not be the fastest, but the most thoughtful – those who combine ambition with control, and innovation with a clear understanding of their business model.

WB: If we have this conversation in a year’s time, where would you like SpeciTec to be in terms of market coverage, both by sector and region?
Oliger: If we look ahead one year, my ambition is very clear. I want SpeciTec to be recognized not only as a trusted partner, but as a key contributor to the transformation of private banking across markets and geographies.

This means expanding our presence where we can bring real value, but more importantly, deepening our impact with our existing clients. Our roadmap is firmly aligned with where the industry is going: towards more intelligent, data-driven, and adaptive systems. But we will continue to approach this evolution in the way that defines us – with pragmatism, reliability, and a strong focus on outcomes. Success, for us, is not measured only by growth. It is measured by the quality of the partnerships we build and the role we play in helping our clients move forward with confidence. Our ambition is simple: to co-build the private banking “de demain” – not as observers, but as active contributors.

WB: What concluding thoughts do you have, including about the WealthBriefing awards? 
Oliger: The award is an important milestone, and a recognition of the work our teams are doing every day.

But beyond that, it reflects something deeper: a shared belief with our clients that innovation must be both bold and responsible. We are operating at a time where technology is accelerating rapidly, particularly with AI. In that context, what matters is not only what we build, but how we build it – with rigour, transparency, and a long-term vision.

These recognitions confirm that there is value in our approach: combining innovation with discipline, and ambition with trust. And that is exactly the mindset we will continue to bring as we help shape the next chapter of private banking.