findependent is Switzerland's first pure ETF asset manager to receive Finma authorisation as an account-holding securities firm. In this interview, findependent’s founder and CEO, Matthias Bryner, explains what that means for investors.
Matthias, what is findependent?
findependent is a fintech startup from Aarau. Through our investment app, we offer asset management for everyone, 75 percent cheaper than conventional banks, but just as secure and “Swiss made”.
The company was founded in 2019, and the mobile app has been available since 2021. Today, more than 25,000 customers use our investment solutions to invest in a simple and cost-effective way. We currently manage more than 400 million francs. Both figures are developing rapidly, making findependent one of Switzerland's fastest-growing startups in its space.
findependent has a total of 10 employees. It remains a private company, and is therefore completely independent of large corporations. 30 percent is owned by the team and myself, while 1500 customers who took part in a crowd-investing round in summer 2024 and private investors each hold 30 percent.
What exactly are the investment services you offer?
We consistently use exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This enables customers to benefit from a broad investment portfolio with more than 3000 companies, even if they start with smaller amounts. Our investment solutions are oriented towards global investments, but with a clear focus on Switzerland.
With the help of a short questionnaire in the app, we determine which investment solution is the best fit for the investor. He or she has the final say. They can use the proposal, or opt for one of the five other ready-made investment solutions. In simple terms, these differ according to the level of the stock component, from 20 percent (Careful) to 99 percent (Risky)
Once the investment solution has been selected, the effort is already over; findependent now takes over and handles the rest. Every additional deposit is also invested automatically.
You said that investors can start of with just a small amount. What exactly does that mean?
Investors can get started with as little as 500 francs, and then we automatically invest every additional 50 francs. If investors like things a bit more individual, they can even put together their own investment solution from around 40 pre-selected ETFs starting from 5000 francs.
Who chooses which ETFs are used, and how does it work?
Our investment committee led by Prof. Dr. Thorsten Hens from the University of Zurich advises our investment managers with regards to both the fundamentals of our investment strategy, and the choice of ETFs. The funds are selected based on the strictest criteria, including size, age, and the total expense ratio (TER). Other aspects like where the ETF is domiciled and the replication method used are also considered. Most importantly, we are completely independent and only use ETFs for which we do not receive any form of compensation from the fund’s operators. We select the ETFs from the whole available pool – around 2000 ETFs traded on the Swiss stock exchange.
Is there a market demand for this kind of app?
We think so. Our more than 25,000 customers are already a great endorsement. On top of that, we have already won three awards, the “Robo Advisor of the Year” award twice, in 2024 and 2025. And a third for our solution for investing for kids, which has already been used more than 7000 times.
Who is the typical findependent user?
On average, our users are just under 40 years old and invest regularly, usually monthly with a standing order. The amounts they invest are as individual as all of us. Everything from a few thousand to north of a million is represented. That shows us that simplicity and low costs, combined with great service and a personal touch, are things that everyone appreciates – just as we expected.
What do users like about your app?
Users value the clarity and simplicity of the app. Access to our team and the personal support we offer are also appreciated. The app has ratings of 4.8 stars in both the App Store and the Play Store.
findependent is the first Swiss asset manager that invests exclusively in ETFs to become a Finma-licensed securities firm. What exactly does that mean?
It means that there is no longer a need to use an external custodian. findependent is no longer just an asset manager, but also a custodian. In other words: findependent will now run and manage bank. findependent is now acting not only as an asset manager but also as an account-holding securities firm. This means that findependent will now manage cash and custody accounts in-house.
As a securities firm, findependent fulfills the same requirements with regards to financial reserves, liquidity, and cyber security as banks do. The account balance, one percent of the invested amount, will continue to be protected by depositor protection. As special assets, the ETF investments will continue to belong only to the customers themselves.
Why did findependent apply for the license?
This status allows findependent to firstly speed up data updates (e.g. transactions, deposits, and withdrawals) and hereby significantly improving the app experience once again.
Secondly, findependent can now launch its own pillar 3a investment solutions, which will happen in the second half of the year.
When will findependent’s transition to becoming a licensed securities firm take place?
With immediate effect for new customers while the migration of existing customer relationships will take place step by step.
The market for online investment services is highly competitive. What makes you stand out from the crowd?
We are an experienced team but at the same time truly accessible. We combine a digital investment solution with personal service. And we do this with passion and conviction. With findependent, we want to show that giving the common man a way to invest is possible without the help of big corporations. We like to call it "uncorporate".
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