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Safra Sarasin’s current strategy is the right one?

I think our success proves that clearly we’re on the right track. That does not mean we do not challenge our own thinking. 

The bank has been an active dealmaker in the past.

We are always open, and we have the capital base to be able to consolidate.

What type of acquisitions would you look at?

Any merger or acquisition has to be driven by a cultural fit, its impact on clients as well as on our talent pool, and whether we're able to prudently execute such a transaction.

Anything as transformative as 2011’s merger of Safra and Sarasin?

I think the values and principles of the bank are consistent. So irrespective of size, the criteria, the factors in terms of how we look at any acquisition will not change.

You wouldn't rule it out?

We'll look at whatever makes sense and adds value to all the parties involved.

Safra Sarasin has made several big changes to management since you joined.

For (ex-CEO) Edmond Michaan, there was an opportunity to step up to the group level. At the same time, it was an opportunity for somebody who has been highly successful in the group, Daniel Belfer, to take the next step in his career.

You prefer promoting from within?

I think the fact we have been able to fill these slots with internal talent is one of the strengths of the group.

The Safra family’s commitment to Safra Sarasin is unwavering?

I cannot speak for the family, but there's absolutely no reason why the family would not maintain this institution. They own three financial institutions (Banco Safra in Brazil, Safra National Bank in New York, and Switzerland’s Bank J. Safra Sarasin).

Jacob Safra, who is Chairman of J. Safra Holdings International and Vice Chairman of J. Safra Sarasin Group, has been actively building this business, in partnership with other members of the family and his father. It’s a family business.

Juerg Haller spent 35 years at UBS, most recently as a vice-chairman for key family clients at the Swiss wealth giant. From 2006 to 2008, he was chairman of UBS in Latin America and operating chief of UBS Pactual, which the Swiss bank was later forced to sell following the financial crisis of 2008/09. The 62-year-old, who began his career as a banking apprentice in 1973, joined J. Safra Sarasin as chairman in October. Safra Sarasin is a Swiss-regulated private bank controlled by Brazil's wealthy Safra family.