Strengthening core markets, advancing digital development

2025 was a year of strategic decisions for the International Wealth Management Division. With the integration of ZKB Österreich, a sharper focus on core markets, and the continued development of digital solutions, the division further strengthened its position. In this interview, Natalie Flatz, Head of the Division, discusses how these steps are fostering stability and growth, which innovations are benefiting clients, and what the main goals are for 2026.

Ms Flatz, 2025 was an eventful and very successful year for the International Wealth Management Division. What were the defining themes for you?

A key milestone was the acquisition and integration of ZKB Österreich. Since then, we have been operating together under the umbrella of the LLB Group. This is a strategically important step for us in the Austrian market. The merger demonstrates our long-term commitment, creates a more integrated offering, and gives former ZKB Österreich clients access to new products, personal advisory services, and modern digital solutions. From 2026, they will also benefit from up-to-date e-banking and integrated portfolio analysis. Our goal is clear: we want to further strengthen our position as the leading wealth management bank in Austria.

The financial industry has been facing major challenges for several years now: regulatory pressure, a demanding environment, and increasing complexity. How is the International Wealth Management Division dealing with this?

Our division is highly diversified, both in terms of business areas and geography. This has both advantages and disadvantages. To address the disadvantages, we have made some strategic decisions. One example is our withdrawal from the Middle East. After 20 years of presence, we decided to close our offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Going forward, we will serve our international clients from our locations in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. International private banking remains a central pillar of our strategy.

You just mentioned that the division’s strong diversification also offers advantages. What specifically do you have in mind?

For us, diversification also means stability. If one business area is underperforming, others contribute to overall success. This year, for example, LLB Fund Services performed particularly well. This allows us to spread risk more effectively while also seizing opportunities.

Financially, there is certainly reason to be satisfied with how the financial year has gone. But non-financial metrics, such as client satisfaction, are at least equally important. How do things stand in that regard?

Client satisfaction is extremely important to us – it is a key indicator of the quality of our work. We invest heavily in personal advisory services, digital solutions, and efficient processes. A recent client survey confirms that this approach is working and that we are achieving our goal of offering clients a first-class experience. Our clients value the combination of personal advisory services and digital tools that make their lives easier. And that is precisely the balance we are striving for.

“Client satisfaction is extremely important to us – it is a key indicator of the quality of our work.”

What innovations or product developments were implemented in 2025?

In 2025, we took a decisive step forward with our digital onboarding. It is now available not only as a self-service option (editor’s note: clients can, for example, open accounts and custody accounts themselves), but can also be used directly during advisory meetings. This offers our clients an even more convenient and personalised experience. This represents real added value, particularly in private banking. I am especially pleased that Austrian securities service providers can now also become LLB clients digitally. This is an important step towards further strengthening our position in Austria.

What are your goals for the 2026 financial year?

In 2026, we want to bring our strategy to a successful conclusion and channel the resources freed up through efficiency gains into targeted growth. We also want to further strengthen our position as an attractive employer. Every single employee counts and contributes to making us better every day. That is how we create lasting success.