Source of Wealth, Source of Funds and KYC: What Investors Should Prepare

Why we ask

As a Swiss institutional firm, we are required to verify the identity of every investor and understand where their money comes from before accepting an allocation. These checks protect you, our other clients and the integrity of the financial system.

Source of wealth versus source of funds

The two terms are often confused. Source of wealth explains how the investor built their overall wealth, for example through the sale of a business, corporate profits, inheritance or investment returns. Source of funds explains where the specific money for this investment comes from: which account it sits in, and how that particular amount was generated.

What to prepare

For individuals

• A valid passport or national identity document
• Proof of residential address dated within the last three months
• Evidence supporting your source of wealth, such as a sale agreement, audited company accounts or a grant of probate
• A recent bank statement showing the funds to be invested

For entities

• Certificate of incorporation and constitutional documents
• A register of directors and shareholders
• Identification of all ultimate beneficial owners holding 25% or more
• A list of authorised signatories with specimen signatures
• Latest audited financial statements

Politically exposed persons

If the investor, a beneficial owner or a signatory is a politically exposed person, declare it on the form. Enhanced due diligence applies, but PEP status does not in itself prevent investment.

Tax status

We ask for your country of tax residence, tax identification number and whether the investor is a U.S. Person under FATCA. Accurate answers avoid delays with custodians and reporting.

Timing

Investors who provide complete information in the Financial Profile and Compliance sections of the onboarding form typically complete verification significantly faster than those who provide it piecemeal.