Page 5 of 5

3. Nicolas Duchene

Nicolas Duchene 500

The Frenchman and veteran private banker has held down the fort for Banque Reyl in Singapore since 2012, and made partner at the Swiss bank two years ago. Duchene is also co-head of Reyl's corporate advisory arm, which is seeking to get an edge with entrepreneurs and business owners.

He has worked for Arthur Andersen and BNP Paribas, including in Hong Kong and Singapore, before joining the Geneva-based firm eight years ago. 

2. Nicolas Mirabaud

Nicolas Mirabaud 500

Representing the most recent generation to join the eponymous Swiss private bank, Nicholas Mirabaud co-heads its wealth management arm. He isn’t a partner – yet. But with a masters in business law, an MBA and even a federal wealth management diploma, he has the chops. And Banque Mirabaud isn’t averse to rejuvenating, as it showed four years ago when it promoted then 35-year-old Camille Vial to partner level.

Unlike Marc Pictet, Mirabaud has never worked in finance outside his family’s firm, which ranks as culturally conservative in a city of conservative, secretive banks. Nicholas Mirabaud recently spearheaded a partnership with Zurich’s technical university ETH where potential investors can meet start-ups.

1. Yves Robert-Charrue

Yves Robet Charrue 507

The Julius Baer banker took on his sixth role in eight years at the Swiss private bank, as head of Europe. The former Credit Suisse banker who once took two years off to pursue musical ambitions has emerged as Mr. Fixit in CEO Boris Collardi’s frequent staff churn. His most recent move? Shutting WM Partners suddenly in June, arguing the bank could squeeze the same value from the independent asset management boutique after integrating it.

Robert-Charrue's other big challenge is Europe, which the bank has largely neglected in favor of chasing red-hot Asia, Middle East and Latin American growth. If Robert-Charrue can revive Europe and salvage WM Partners, he is in pole position for the top Julius Baer job, several insiders report. Whatever the outcome Robert-Charrue, who is perfectly bilingual in French and German, will look good doing it.