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The rest is history: Ruflin was the linchpin for the 2005 IPO of EFG, majority-owned by Greece's wealthy Latsis family. Two years later, he co-founded EFG Financial Products, the structured products boutique which preceded Leonteq. Ruflin advanced to deputy Chief Executive at EFG, the private bank, before later moving to Leonteq's board in 2009.

Calm Amid Disruption

Unlike his more prominent peers such as Collardi, Ruflin doesn't particularly enjoy the limelight and has cultivated a reputation as very grounded, self-critical and attentive. Clearly, he belongs to a new generation of Swiss bankers who prefer merit-based achievements instead of relying of the cosy old boys network in Switzerland's business circles. Despite his achievements and obvious wealth – Ruflin was part of two IPOs, one before and one after the financial crisis – he is not seen as a careerist.

Instead, Ruflin pursues his path single-mindedly with enormous personal engagement, perhaps drawing on his investment banking days. The banker, who enjoy playing guitar and reading everything from literary classics to adventure novels in his free time, is one of the few fix points at Leonteq. He is a stalwart in a firm which feeds on disruption – both internal and external.

«I'll Drink To That»

His cerebral calmness was on display in March, when tensions inside Leonteq ran high: CEO Schoch was forced to apologize to shareholders for poor results and strategy, and chairman Pierin Vincenz received a clear sign of discontent from investors. In addition to leaving Leonteq, Schoch severed ties with the firm last week, and Vincenz didn't last the summer.

At the March meeting, after Ruflin was reelected as vice-chairman amid the wider turmoil, the banker raises his glass suddenly, saying «I'll drink to that – but with a glass of water.» 

The little-known banker undoubtedly has the chops, credentials and will for a larger leadership role in Swiss banking. Where does he see his future? «I have a great job, and I still have to deliver,» Ruflin told finews.asia, avoiding the question.