It’s a quiet Tuesday evening at Zurich’s iconic Baur au Lac hotel. Known for hosting luminaries from Richard Wagner to Cate Blanchett, tonight the spotlight isn’t on a Hollywood star but on Manuel Blanco, a man whose name resonates strongly within the private banking world – and in Gstaad.

The Head of Private Banking for Gstaad & Greater Berne Area at EFG, Blanco, is preparing for an on-camera interview as part of the Citywire Private Banking Awards. Surrounded by the grandiose setting and familiar faces from competing firms like Julius Baer and LGT, he mingles confidently. But even as he answers questions about industry trends, he’s blissfully unaware of what’s to come: winning two of the night’s most coveted accolades – “Best German-speaking Private Banker” and “Best Male Private Banker.”

Back in Gstaad, the news is more than just a personal triumph for Blanco – it’s a testament to the town’s rising prominence as a private banking hub, sure to spark excitement within the community.

Banking in the Heart of Gstaad
Blanco’s connection to Gstaad runs deep. And his ties to the community are as strong as his professional credentials. Over coffee at the newly renovated offices in Gstaad, Blanco reflects on his journey.

“I’ve spent over 20 years cultivating relationships in wealth management,” he explains. “Many of those relationships were built through partnerships with lawyers or luxury brand representatives – people who cater to the same clientele but aren’t competitors.”

Such partnerships are easily nurtured in Gstaad, where the international boarding school Le Rosey and the exclusive Saanen Airport attract a global elite. Blanco has also made his mark locally, co-founding the sustainability initiative “Impact Gstaad” and launching the “Gstaad University Day.” His ties to education extend to his role on the board of the JFK School Foundation, and his idea to establish a “Finance Day” for Le Rosey further underscores his vision for blending community with industry.

Gstaad: A Hidden Gem for Global Wealth
Blanco’s recognition coincides with Gstaad’s rising profile as a haven for the affluent. Property prices here have soared since 2019, attracting a mix of permanent residents and international visitors. “The pandemic highlighted Gstaad’s appeal,” Blanco says. “It’s not just a holiday destination; it’s a safe, sophisticated, and connected place to live all year round.”

When EFG, known for its entrepreneurial ethos, opened a branch in Gstaad in January 2024, Blanco was the natural choice to lead, and he embodies what EFG stands for – innovation, expertise, and community.

A Celebration of Talent and Place
Blanco’s double victory at the Citywire awards underscores his talents and Gstaad’s emergence as a major player in private banking. At the Baur au Lac, where the awards ceremony concluded, Blanco mingled with peers in an atmosphere of camaraderie that mirrors the ethos of Gstaad itself.

“It’s a small world in private banking, just like in Gstaad,” Blanco muses. “People value relationships, trust, and a sense of belonging.”

For Blanco, these accolades are not merely trophies – they reflect the work being done in Gstaad, a place he calls home and a hub for global wealth.

Blanco’s success is Gstaad’s success. It’s a reminder of how this small, picturesque town continues to make a big impact on the world stage.

JEANETTE WICHMANN