Bank Lombard Odier & Co: Global Presence and Philanthropy

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The Lombard Bank Building in Sliema, Malta
Credit: pexels.com, The Lombard Bank Building in Sliema, Malta

Bank Lombard Odier & Co has a significant global presence, with a history dating back to 1796. The bank operates in 17 countries across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Their international network allows them to provide a range of financial services to clients worldwide. With a presence in major financial hubs, the bank is well-positioned to serve the needs of global clients.

One notable aspect of Bank Lombard Odier & Co's global presence is their ability to offer local expertise and knowledge to clients in each region. This allows them to tailor their services to meet the unique needs of each market.

The bank's commitment to philanthropy is also noteworthy, with a long history of supporting charitable causes.

Take a look at this: Banks and Banking Services

Company Overview

Bank Lombard Odier & Co is a private bank that has been around since 1796. With a rich history spanning over two centuries, the bank has had the opportunity to evolve and adapt to the changing financial landscape.

Illuminated Lombard Street in San Francisco at Night
Credit: pexels.com, Illuminated Lombard Street in San Francisco at Night

The bank's headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland, a country known for its strong banking tradition and stable economy. The Swiss location has allowed the bank to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality, which is essential for its high-net-worth clients.

Lombard Odier & Co has a global presence with offices in over 15 countries, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia. This widespread network enables the bank to cater to the diverse needs of its international clients.

The bank's focus on wealth management and private banking has allowed it to develop a specialized expertise in managing complex financial situations. Its experienced team of professionals is dedicated to providing personalized service to each client.

History

Bank Lombard Odier & Co has a rich history that spans over a century and a half. The bank's roots date back to 1840 when it was one of the founding members of the 'Quatuor', a partnership of four banks that invested in European railways and mines.

Bearded Man Counting Piles of Dollar Bills
Credit: pexels.com, Bearded Man Counting Piles of Dollar Bills

In 1872, Quatuor merged with Omnium, another private banking association in Geneva, to form the Finance Association of Geneva. This merger marked a significant turning point in the bank's history, allowing it to expand its operations and increase its capital.

The bank continued to grow and evolve, eventually becoming part of the Financial Union of Geneva in 1890.

Historical Collaborations (1840-1933)

In 1840, five banks - Lombard, Odier & Cie, Hentsch & Cie, Candolle Turrettini & Cie, and Louis Pictet & Cie - partnered together to form the 'Quatuor', a financial collaboration aimed at providing large-scale funding for the Industrial Revolution.

The Quatuor invested heavily in European railways, mines in the Loire Valley region of France, and Piedmont loans. This marked a significant shift in the banking landscape, as these firms were now working together to achieve common financial goals.

The Quatuor merged with Omnium in 1872, a private banking association in Geneva founded in 1849, to create the Finance Association of Geneva. This new entity partnered with the Banque de Paris et des Pays-Bas to collect capital for financial operations in Switzerland and abroad.

Beautiful aerial view of San Francisco showcasing Lombard Street and the iconic skyline.
Credit: pexels.com, Beautiful aerial view of San Francisco showcasing Lombard Street and the iconic skyline.

The Finance Association of Geneva was established with the goal of pooling resources to conduct financial operations in Switzerland and beyond. This collaboration laid the groundwork for future financial unions.

In 1890, the Financial Union of Geneva was created through the merger of the Finance Association of Geneva and the railways bank La Banque Nouvelle des Chemins de Fer. This new entity started with CHF 12 million in capital and consolidated twelve private banks, including Hentsch & Cie, Lombard, Odier & Cie, and Darier & Cie.

The Financial Union of Geneva played a significant role in Genevan finance from 1890 to 1933, funding large infrastructure projects in Europe and the US. This period marked a golden age for Genevan private banks, with their collaborations driving economic growth and development.

For another approach, see: Union Bank of Switzerland Ag

Origin

The origin of this topic is a fascinating story that begins with the discovery of a certain event. This event marked the beginning of a long and complex history.

Stunning winter view of the snow-covered Swiss Alps in Sils im Engadin, Grisons, Switzerland.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning winter view of the snow-covered Swiss Alps in Sils im Engadin, Grisons, Switzerland.

The first recorded mention of this event dates back to the year 1856. It was a pivotal moment that would shape the course of events to come.

The discovery was made by a group of individuals who were instrumental in shaping the early years of this topic. Their contributions laid the foundation for what would become a rich and diverse history.

Their findings were met with a mix of excitement and skepticism, but ultimately paved the way for further exploration and discovery.

Services

Lombard Odier Bank offers a range of specialized services, primarily in private banking, cutting-edge financial technology, and wealth and asset management.

They provide trust and estate planning, family services for family companies, and charitable endeavors.

Their 360-degree wealth management solutions cater to the unique needs and circumstances of each client.

Risk management is a crucial aspect of wealth management, where financial advisers determine whether to accept a risk in an investment based on its projected returns.

Letters forming 'Bank Loan' on a vibrant red surface, ideal for finance themes.
Credit: pexels.com, Letters forming 'Bank Loan' on a vibrant red surface, ideal for finance themes.

They also offer asset management services, managing investment funds placed into shares and bonds.

These funds are accessible to clients of the private bank Lombard, Odier & Cie SA, as well as to an international client base of institutional investors and financial advisers outside of the Lombard Odier Group.

Lombard Odier Asset Management (Europe) Limited, based in London, is the leading branch of the Group's asset management operations.

The bank is active in socially responsible investment, particularly in impact investing capital.

In 2022, the bank managed CHF 63 billion in its asset management branches.

Geographic Presence

The Lombard Odier Group has a significant presence in Europe, with a Luxembourgish bank serving as the hub for its European subsidiaries since 2011.

The group's London branch, established in 1973, leads the asset management operations for the Group and has a long history of institutional management operations.

Lombard Odier has been present in France since 2001, with a branch in Paris that aimed to expand into a French institutional client base and distribute investment funds from the Lombard Odier brand.

The group has also established a presence in several other European cities, including Brussels (2004), Madrid and Frankfurt (2007), and Milan (2016).

Here's an interesting read: The Co-operative Banking Group

Switzerland

Vibrant flowers line San Francisco's famous Lombard Street with cars and tourists.
Credit: pexels.com, Vibrant flowers line San Francisco's famous Lombard Street with cars and tourists.

Switzerland is home to the Lombard Odier Group, with a rich history dating back to 1796 when Hentsch & Cie was founded in Geneva.

The bank's headquarters has been located in Geneva for over two centuries, with the oldest head office still standing at the rue de la Corraterie in Maison Gallatin, built in 1708.

Between 1921 and 1924, the buildings of Hentsch & Cie and Lombard, Odier & Cie on the rue de la Corraterie were rebuilt to accommodate more staff.

Lombard, Odier & Cie acquired the neighboring building at 9 rue de la Corraterie in 1957, which was then rebuilt in line with the plans made by architect Antoine de Saussure.

In 1990, Lombard, Odier & Cie consolidated its administrative services at a property in Lancy, marking a new chapter in the bank's expansion.

The bank has been present in several locations throughout Switzerland, including Lausanne since 1882, Vevey and Zurich since 1989, and Fribourg since 2008.

Lombard Odier plans to build a new head office in Bellevue, Geneva, by 2024, designed by the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, which will bring together staff from five different sites in Geneva.

Europe

Illuminated Wells Fargo bank branch at night showcasing modern architecture and signage.
Credit: pexels.com, Illuminated Wells Fargo bank branch at night showcasing modern architecture and signage.

Lombard Odier has been present in Europe since 1973, when it opened a London branch that now leads the group's asset management operations.

The London branch, operating under the name Lombard, Odier International Portfolio Management Ltd (LOIPM), has managed portfolios for institutional investors in the US and Middle East.

Lombard Odier established a presence in France in 2001, opening the Lombard Odier Gestion building in Paris, which later became LODH Gestion.

In 2004, the French branch obtained a management mandate for the Pensions Reserve Fund (FRR).

The group has also been present in Brussels since 2004, in Madrid and Frankfurt since 2007, and in Milan since 2016.

In Luxembourg, the group's European subsidiaries were combined into a single branch that opened in 2011.

Lombard Odier's London branch has been under British jurisdiction since its inception in 1973.

Philanthropy and Reputation

Bank Lombard Odier & Co has a long history of philanthropy, dating back to the 19th century when Alexandre Lombard participated in a committee to raise money for those injured in the Second Italian War of Independence. This commitment to giving back to the community has continued to this day.

A group of activists posing to a picture at an event
Credit: pexels.com, A group of activists posing to a picture at an event

The Lombard Odier Group has two philanthropic foundations: the Lombard Odier Foundation and the Philanthropia Foundation. The Lombard Odier Foundation distributes between 1 and 1.5 million Swiss francs a year, mostly to projects in areas of education and humanitarian works.

The Philanthropia foundation, created in 2008, invites clients of the bank to make donations for philanthropic work in five main areas: humanitarian and social, education and training, medical and scientific research, environment and sustainable development, and art and culture. To mark its 10th anniversary in 2018, the foundation announced that it had received a total sum of donations totalling CHF 116 million.

The bank's commitment to philanthropy has not only made a positive impact on the community, but also contributed to its reputation as a responsible and caring business.

Philanthropy

The Lombard Odier Group has a long history of philanthropy, dating back to the 19th century. The tradition of banking families engaging in philanthropic causes originated in this time period.

A sleek modern glass banking building in an urban city setting, showcasing reflective architecture.
Credit: pexels.com, A sleek modern glass banking building in an urban city setting, showcasing reflective architecture.

Alexandre Lombard was a key figure in this effort, participating in a committee to raise money for those injured in the Second Italian War of Independence. This initiative was led by Henry Dunant, who would later found the Red Cross in 1863.

The Lombard Odier Group has two philanthropic foundations: the Lombard Odier Foundation and the Philanthropia Foundation. The Lombard Odier Foundation distributes between 1 and 1.5 million Swiss francs a year, mostly to projects in education and humanitarian works.

The Philanthropia Foundation, created in 2008, invites clients of the bank to make donations for philanthropic work in five main areas: humanitarian and social, education and training, medical and scientific research, environment and sustainable development, and art and culture.

In 2020, the Lombard Odier Foundation endowed the Lombard Odier associate professorship in Sustainable Finance at Oxford University, a multi-year partnership that will create the first endowed professorship of sustainable finance at any major global research university.

Here are some key facts about the Philanthropia Foundation:

  • The Philanthropia foundation has received a total sum of donations totalling CHF 116 million as of 2018.
  • The foundation gives away an average of 10% of its assets to some 100 organisations every year.
  • CHF 15 million of the donations went to organisations for cancer research and prevention.

The Lombard Odier Group's commitment to philanthropy has been led by Patrick Odier, who has chaired the Lombard Odier Foundation since 2016. Denis Pittet has also been involved, chairing the Philanthropia foundation since 2016.

Swiss Wealth Manager Indicted on Money Laundering Charges

Decorative cardboard appliques of arrow and dollar coins representing income concept on violet background
Credit: pexels.com, Decorative cardboard appliques of arrow and dollar coins representing income concept on violet background

Lombard Odier, one of Switzerland's oldest private banks, has been indicted on charges of aggravated money laundering.

The bank has been under investigation since 2016, and the indictment was filed by the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland.

The accused allegedly helped conceal the proceeds of a criminal organization set up by Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of Uzbekistan's former authoritarian president Islam Karimov.

Gulnara Karimova was indicted by the attorney general in 2023 on accusations of laundering money that was a result of criminal activities in Switzerland between 2005 and 2012.

The bank claims to have taken note of the decision and plans to defend itself vigorously, stating the allegations are unfounded and without merit.

The bank's origins date back to 1796, making it one of the oldest private banks in Switzerland.

A timeline of the case is as follows:

  • 2005-2012: Criminal activities in Switzerland allegedly took place.
  • 2016: Investigations began, and Lombard Odier was under investigation.
  • 2016: The case was initiated by Lombard Odier's "proactive reporting of suspicions to the Swiss authorities."
  • 2023: Gulnara Karimova was indicted by the attorney general.
  • 2023: The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland filed an indictment against Lombard Odier and a former employee of the bank.

The bank's statement on the matter is as follows: "We have taken note of the decision of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland to bring charges against the Bank for insufficient controls. This step follows the opening of a formal investigation against the bank initiated and made public in 2016. For the bank, the allegations are unfounded and without merit. The bank plans to defend itself vigorously."

Facts and Figures

Facade of Bank of Morocco Building
Credit: pexels.com, Facade of Bank of Morocco Building

Bank Lombard Odier & Co has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, located at Rue de la Corraterie 11, 1204 Geneva. The bank's phone number is +41 22 709 21 11.

You can visit their website at www.lombardodier.com to learn more about their services. The bank was founded in 1796.

Bank Lombard Odier & Co has a significant presence abroad, with operations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. They also have a presence in the EU.

Here's a summary of some key statistics about the bank:

The bank has a rating of Fitch AA- and a leverage ratio of 6.40%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lombard Odier owned by?

Lombard Odier is owned by its Managing Partners, who are directly involved in managing the business and serving clients. They hold complete ownership through the firm's partnership structure.

What is the Lombard Odier controversy?

Lombard Odier & Cie is embroiled in a bribery scandal linked to the daughter of Uzbek president Islam Karimov, with the bank and a former employee facing indictment for money laundering. The case involves allegations of corruption and financial impropriety.

What is the oldest private bank in Geneva?

Lombard Odier is the oldest private bank in Geneva, established in 1796. It's also one of the largest private banks in Switzerland and Europe.

Elena Feeney-Jacobs

Junior Writer

Elena Feeney-Jacobs is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in the Australian real estate market. Her insightful articles have shed light on the operations of major real estate companies and investment trusts, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. She has a particular focus on companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and those based in Sydney, offering valuable insights into the local and national economies.

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