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Building a portfolio is not just about finding attractive investments. It is also about understanding the investor, separating short-term noise from long-term developments, and maintaining discipline when markets become emotional. In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, Jess Roberson and Jamie Vrijhof sit down with Dr. Barbara Kasper to explore portfolio construction from both the professional and private-investor perspective. They discuss investor psychology, fundamentals, market cycles, debt and cash flow, U.S. home bias, international diversification, and the challenges of investing during periods dominated by themes such as AI and geopolitical uncertainty. Dr. Kasper also shares her perspective on gold and cryptocurrencies, the importance of understanding what you own, and why investors should focus less on predicting every market move and more on building a strategy they can maintain. Dr. Barbara Kasper has international experience in banking, finance research, portfolio construction, and family office investing across Europe and the United States. Connect with Dr. Barbara Kasper on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-h-m-dr-kasper-mba-1384921a3/ Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/uwUwqBIbiCI This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal.

The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by 25 basis points as inflation remains elevated, while central banks around the world continue to weigh price pressures, economic growth and the impact of higher energy costs. In this episode of The Swiss View, Jess Roberson and Urs Droese discuss the latest central-bank decisions, continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, oil supply, and the recent strength of the U.S. dollar. They also take a step back from the short-term moves to consider the bigger picture: how currencies behave across different time horizons, why geopolitical uncertainty can influence demand for the dollar, and why international and currency diversification can still matter even during periods of U.S. dollar strength. The Swiss View brings a Swiss perspective to the economic and market developments shaping international investors. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

Swiss bank accounts are illegal for Americans. They are anonymous. You need to be a billionaire. Opening one automatically triggers an IRS audit.These are some of the misconceptions that still come up when Americans explore Swiss banking and international wealth management.In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, Jess Roberson, Jamie Vrijhof and Urs Droese take on 12 common myths and explain what Swiss wealth management for U.S. persons actually looks like today.The myths covered:0:00 - Intro05:45 - Myth #1: Swiss banking is illegal for Americans and is used for tax evasion07:40 - Myth #2: Offshore banking is becoming obsolete11:38 - Myth #3: Swiss wealth management is only for billionaires13:45 - Myth #4: Swiss bank accounts are anonymous15:39 - Myth #5: The U.S. is the only worthwhile investment market21:21 - Myth #6: The U.S. dollar and U.S. economy are so dominant that international diversification is unnecessary24:56 - Myth #7: Opening a Swiss account automatically triggers an IRS audit26:28 - Myth #8: A U.S. broker can provide exactly the same international investment access32:00 - Myth#9: A foreign account allows Americans to invest in anything outside the U.S.35:59 - Myth #10: Holding assets in Switzerland automatically creates Swiss income or wealth tax36:48 - Myth #11: Opening and maintaining a Swiss account requires frequent travel to Switzerland38:07 - Myth #12: Moving assets offshore means losing control of your moneyThe discussion also looks at currency exposure, direct international investing, portfolio diversification, account ownership, compliance, and why working with professionals who understand U.S. cross-border requirements matters.Wondering what it actually costs to work with WHVP?Our current account minimums, management fees and service structure are published transparently on our website:https://whvp.ch/servicesHave questions about whether Swiss wealth management could be relevant for your situation?Schedule a free 45-minute consultation with our team:https://whvp.ch/get-startedWHVP AG is regulated in Switzerland by FINMA and is an SEC-registered investment adviser.Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, legal advice, tax advice, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security. Account eligibility, investment restrictions, tax treatment and reporting obligations depend on individual circumstances. WHVP is not a tax adviser. U.S. persons should consult qualified tax and legal professionals regarding their individual cross-border obligations. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal.#SwissBanking #WealthManagement #InternationalInvesting #AmericansAbroad #WHVP

Global markets are being pulled in several directions at once. In this edition of The Swiss View, Jess Roberson and Urs Droese discuss the continued uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, the Japanese yen carry trade, the relationship between Japan and U.S. Treasury markets, central-bank policy, gold, and the recent strength of the U.S. dollar. They also examine the Swiss franc and why short-term currency movements should be considered within a much longer-term economic picture. Recorded August 12, 2026. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Views reflect information available at the time of recording and may change.

In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, Jess Roberson and Jamie Vrijhof sit down with Darlene Hart from U.S. Tax & Financial Services to discuss the biggest U.S. tax mistakes Americans make when holding wealth internationally. The conversation covers why U.S. citizens are generally taxed on worldwide income, what Americans need to know about foreign bank account reporting, and why FBAR, FATCA, and Form 8938 matter when holding assets outside the United States. Darlene also explains common cross-border tax issues involving foreign pensions, trusts, wills, probate, U.S. estate tax exposure, and foreign entities. The episode then explores PFICs, or Passive Foreign Investment Companies, and why foreign mutual funds, ETFs, startups, and non-U.S. investment structures can create complex tax consequences for U.S. persons. A key takeaway from the discussion is that international wealth planning is not only about where assets are held. It is also about proper reporting, tax coordination, estate planning, and making sure tax, legal, and wealth management advisers communicate with each other. This episode is especially relevant for Americans abroad, U.S. persons with foreign accounts, and internationally connected families who want to better understand the tax considerations that may come with cross-border wealth. Topics covered:U.S. worldwide taxation, FBAR, FATCA, Form 8938, PFICs, foreign pensions, Swiss bank accounts, cross-border estate planning, U.S. estate tax, foreign investment funds, and international wealth planning. Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, legal advice, tax advice, accounting advice, estate planning advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. WHVP AG is regulated in Switzerland by FINMA and is an SEC-registered investment adviser. U.S. persons and internationally connected clients should consult qualified tax, legal, and estate planning advisers regarding their individual circumstances. U.S. tax mistakes, international wealth, Americans abroad, U.S. expat tax, FBAR, FATCA, Form 8938, PFIC, foreign bank accounts, foreign pensions, cross-border tax planning, Swiss bank account, Swiss banking for Americans, international wealth planning, U.S. estate tax, foreign investment funds, Americans with foreign accounts, tax reporting for Americans abroad

Why are markets so fragile right now? Jess Roberson and Urs Droese break down what has moved in the economy and where markets may head into the summer and the US midterms. They cover the US dollar's recent strength within a longer-term downward trend, the role of oil and gold, Switzerland's low inflation and unemployment, Europe's growth challenge, the Federal Reserve's new tone under Chair Warsh, and why stretched AI valuations and a wave of IPOs call for discipline and careful risk management. WHVP AG is regulated by FINMA and is an SEC-registered investment adviser. For informational purposes only. Not investment, tax, or legal advice.

What actually sets Swiss wealth management apart? In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, Jamie Vrijhof and Jess Roberson are joined by Vivien Jain, CEO of the Swiss Association of Independent Wealth Managers, for a wide-ranging conversation about the Swiss model and where the industry is heading. The discussion opens with two timely topics: a recent Boston Consulting Group report suggesting Hong Kong has overtaken Switzerland as a cross-border wealth hub, and a Financial Times report that gold has overtaken the US dollar as the most highly allocated reserve asset among central banks. Vivien, Jamie, and Jess put both into context. From there, the conversation turns to the world of independent wealth management: - What an independent wealth manager actually is, and how it differs from a bank- Why the limited power of attorney model matters for client security- The size and growth of Switzerland's independent wealth management industry- Why US persons typically need to work with an SEC-registered independent manager rather than a bank directly- How Swiss banking secrecy actually works today, and why it does not apply to tax authorities such as the IRS- The role of trust, privacy culture, and cybersecurity in protecting clients About our guest: Vivien Jain is the CEO of the Swiss Association of Independent Wealth Managers, which represents around 1,400 independent wealth managers across Switzerland and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Contact WHVPWebsite: https://whvp.ch/Email: [email protected]: +41 44 315 77 77Schedule a Meeting: https://whvp.ch/get-startedAbout WHVPWHVP is not just another asset manager. We are an independent firm specializing in managing the funds of private clients. Registered with the SEC in the U.S. and located in Zurich, Switzerland, we are associated with several first-class private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which serve as custodian banks for our clients' accounts. Our asset management principles are rooted in conservative, long-term-oriented capital preservation strategies. We prioritize personalized service, crafting portfolios that are shielded against U.S. Dollar depreciation while leveraging overseas investment opportunities. Disclaimer: All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.

In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, Jess Roberson, Jamie Vrijhof and Urs Droese explore one of the most pressing questions in global finance: will the US default on its debt and has it already done so in the past?The conversation begins with a look at Switzerland's position as the world leader in AI research per capita, before diving into the main topic. Jess Roberson, Jamie Vrijhof and Urs Droese walk through the historical moments that reshaped the US monetary system: the 1933 gold revaluation under FDR, the 1971 Nixon shock and the end of Bretton Woods, and the 1979 gold revaluation, examining whether each represented a quiet form of default through monetary manipulation rather than an outright failure to pay.From there the discussion moves to today: the US debt is growing at an unsustainable pace, foreign holders are dropping treasury bills, and one in every five government dollars is now spent on interest payments alone. The team explores the possible paths forward, including a return to the gold standard, the rise of stablecoins backed by treasury bills, and what a shift to a multipolar reserve currency world could look like.The episode closes with a practical message for American investors: regardless of how the monetary system evolves, diversification and currency consideration are essential tools for protecting purchasing power across generations.Contact WHVPWebsite: https://whvp.ch/Email: [email protected]: +41 44 315 77 77Schedule a Meeting: https://whvp.ch/get-startedAbout WHVPWHVP is not just another asset manager. We are an independent firm specializing in managing the funds of private clients. Registered with the SEC in the U.S. and located in Zurich, Switzerland, we are associated with several first-class private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which serve as custodian banks for our clients' accounts. Our asset management principles are rooted in conservative, long-term-oriented capital preservation strategies. We prioritize personalized service, crafting portfolios that are shielded against U.S. Dollar depreciation while leveraging overseas investment opportunities.Disclaimer: All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.

In this episode of The Swiss View, Urs and Jess explore the economic realities shaping the United States, the European Union, and Switzerland. The conversation moves from GDP performance and what it reveals about the strength of each economy to the everyday impact Americans are feeling at the gas pump, tying it all back to the global price of oil per barrel and the broader energy market. Along the way, they unpack the increasingly difficult position central banks find themselves in as they try to balance inflation, interest rates, slowing growth, and market stability. With a Swiss perspective on global economics, the discussion offers a thoughtful look at the pressures facing policymakers and consumers alike in an uncertain financial environment. Contact WHVP Website: https://whvp.ch/ Email: [email protected] Telephone: +41 44 315 77 77 Schedule a Meeting: https://whvp.ch/get-started About WHVP WHVP is not just another asset manager. We are an independent firm specializing in managing the funds of private clients. Registered with the SEC in the U.S. and located in Zurich, Switzerland, we are associated with several first-class private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which serve as custodian banks for our clients' accounts. Our asset management principles are rooted in conservative, long-term-oriented capital preservation strategies. We prioritize personalized service, crafting portfolios that are shielded against U.S. Dollar depreciation while leveraging overseas investment opportunities. Disclaimer: All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.

In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, the team sits down to discuss the often misunderstood world of private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, along with an overview of what account opening looks like for Americans and how they can prepare for it. On the episode, WHVP’s Jess Roberson and Jamie Vrijhof-Droese are joined by WHVP's newest member, Executive Assistant, Alisa Bekteshi, who is a rising talent in the private banking and wealth management world for Americans looking to open an account offshore. For the curious investor and those looking to navigate turbulent times, this episode offers clear, practical insight for your due diligence when considering offshore banking and investing. It will help you understand the account-opening process and give you valuable lived experience from industry insiders who work day in and out to deliver clients the best service possible while tirelessly working to make the challenging parts of offshore investing and banking smooth and understandable. 00:00 Intro 00:50 Swiss spices turn American 05:05 Introduction to Alisa Bekteshi 07:15 Understanding Swiss & Liechtenstein private banks 16:20 Client experience of working with a Swiss RIA 21:29 Why does KYC matter for opening an account 27:55 Avoid these mistakes for a smooth account opening process 31:46 How to prepare for an account opening 33:27 Behind the scenes: what we are doing for you 39:54 Outro 📞 Contact WHVP Website: https://whvp.ch/ Email: [email protected] Telephone: +41 44 315 77 77 Schedule a Meeting: https://whvp.ch/get-started ℹ️ About WHVP WHVP is not just another asset manager. We are an independent firm specializing in managing the funds of private clients. Registered with the SEC in the U.S. and located in Zurich, Switzerland, we are associated with several first-class private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which serve as custodian banks for our clients' accounts. Our asset management principles are rooted in conservative, long-term-oriented capital preservation strategies. We prioritize personalized service, crafting portfolios that are shielded against U.S. Dollar depreciation while leveraging overseas investment opportunities. Disclaimer: All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.

In this episode of Swiss View, Jess Roberson and Jamie Vrijhof unpack the growing dilemma facing central banks as global uncertainty continues to mount. They begin with the fragile US-Iran ceasefire—asking the key question: will it hold, even in the short term? The discussion explores potential market and economic consequences if tensions re-escalate, and how quickly sentiment can shift in such a volatile geopolitical environment. Turning to monetary policy, Jess and Urs examine where major central banks are heading next. With interest rate paths becoming increasingly unclear, they discuss the balancing act between controlling inflation and supporting economic growth. Closer to home, the episode dives into the recent uptick in inflation in Switzerland and what it could mean for policy decisions going forward. The conversation also highlights developments in the Swiss franc, including the growing challenge of international scrutiny—particularly from the United States—around Switzerland’s currency practices. Blending geopolitics, macroeconomics, and market insight, this episode sheds light on the difficult position central banks find themselves in—and what it means for investors navigating an uncertain landscape. Contact WHVP Website: https://whvp.ch/ Email: [email protected] Telephone: +41 44 315 77 77 Schedule a Meeting: https://whvp.ch/get-started About WHVP WHVP is not just another asset manager. We are an independent firm specializing in managing the funds of private clients. Registered with the SEC in the U.S. and located in Zurich, Switzerland, we are associated with several first-class private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which serve as custodian banks for our clients' accounts. Our asset management principles are rooted in conservative, long-term-oriented capital preservation strategies. We prioritize personalized service, crafting portfolios that are shielded against U.S. Dollar depreciation while leveraging overseas investment opportunities. Disclaimer: All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.

In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, we sit down with Johannes Kern, Managing Director of Frankencoin Association, to unpack how stablecoins work and what makes Switzerland such a powerful safe-haven for stability.​ You’ll learn what a stablecoin actually is and how it represents a “digital twin” of a stable asset. We also dive into Switzerland’s long history of armed neutrality, how that shapes decisions like blocking certain US military flights related to the current conflict in Iran, and why this geopolitical stance has helped build the Swiss franc’s reputation as “Swiss steel” over the last 200+ years.​ Whether you’re exploring offshore banking, international diversification, or the future of money on blockchain, this conversation gives you a grounded Swiss perspective on stability, sovereignty, and sound currency. 00:00 Intro 0:38 Swiss News on US-Iran conflict 06:00 Guest intro: Johannes Kern, Managing Director, Frankencoin Association 08:30 Why Swiss franc? Safe-haven currency and “Swiss steel” reputation​ 16:00 How neutrality and policy decisions shape investor trust in the Swiss franc​ 20:00 Swiss monetary culture​ 25:00 Designing a Swiss franc stablecoin: backing, reserves, and regulatory expectations​ 30:00 Use cases: payments, cross-border transfers, and offshore wealth planning​ 37:00 ​Final thoughts: future of Swiss stablecoins and Switzerland’s role in digital money Connect with Johannes Kern, Managing Director @ Frankencoin Association LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneskern93/ Contact WHVP Website: https://whvp.ch/ Email: [email protected] Telephone: +41 44 315 77 77 Schedule a Meeting: https://whvp.ch/get-started About WHVP WHVP is not just another asset manager. We are an independent firm specializing in managing the funds of private clients. Registered with the SEC in the US and located in Zurich, Switzerland, we are associated with several first-class private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which serve as custodian banks for our clients' accounts. Our asset management principles are rooted in conservative, long-term-oriented capital preservation strategies. We prioritize personalized service, crafting portfolios that are shielded against US Dollar depreciation while leveraging overseas investment opportunities. Disclaimer: All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.

In this episode of Swiss View, Jess Roberson and Urs Droese take a timely deep dive into how global markets and economies are reacting to the escalating conflict with Iran. As geopolitical tensions intensify, financial markets have been anything but calm. From sharp rises in oil prices to increased volatility across equities and bonds, the ripple effects are being felt worldwide. Energy markets in particular have surged amid supply fears, while broader markets have swung between resilience and risk-off sentiment as investors reassess the global outlook. But beyond the numbers, Jess and Urs explore something equally important: the psychology of investors in uncertain times. Why do fear and optimism often coexist in volatile markets? How do emotions shape decision-making when headlines drive sudden market moves? And what patterns tend to emerge when uncertainty becomes the dominant force? Blending macroeconomic insights with behavioral finance, this episode offers listeners a clear, grounded perspective on navigating turbulence—whether you're a seasoned investor or simply trying to make sense of a rapidly changing world. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on risk, resilience, and the human side of markets. Contact WHVP Website: https://whvp.ch/ Email: [email protected] Telephone: +41 44 315 77 77 Schedule a Meeting: https://whvp.ch/get-started About WHVP: WHVP is not just another asset manager. We are an independent firm specializing in managing the funds of private clients. Registered with the SEC in the U.S. and located in Zurich, Switzerland, we are associated with several first-class private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which serve as custodian banks for our clients' accounts. Our asset management principles are rooted in conservative, long-term-oriented capital preservation strategies. We prioritize personalized service, crafting portfolios that are shielded against U.S. Dollar depreciation while leveraging overseas investment opportunities. Disclaimer: All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.

In this episode, we revisit the debate between bitcoin and gold — but from a different angle. Instead of asking which asset will win, we ask a more important question: What can they teach us about building resilient wealth in a volatile world? Over the past few years, investors have experienced liquidity booms, aggressive rate hikes, inflation shocks, and geopolitical instability. Both high-growth assets and traditional safe havens have had moments of strength — and moments of stress. The lesson? No single asset protects you in every environment. 00:00 Intro 00:30 Historic Olympic performance for Switzerland 04:04 The volatility profile of bitcoin vs. gold (and precious metals) 10:10 Why did gold do well and bitcoin not? 19:00 Diversification and knowing the right strategy for you 30:40 Outro We also discuss the role of the Swiss franc and how long-term currency strength often reflects institutional stability, fiscal discipline, and geopolitical neutrality. This is an evergreen conversation about risk, resilience, and preparing for multiple economic futures — rather than trying to predict just one. If you’re thinking about long-term wealth preservation, international diversification, and building a portfolio designed to endure volatility, this episode is for you. Contact WHVP Website: https://whvp.ch/ Email: [email protected] Telephone: +41 44 315 77 77 Schedule a Meeting: https://whvp.ch/get-started ℹ️ About WHVP WHVP is not just another asset manager. We are an independent firm specializing in managing the funds of private clients. Registered with the SEC in the U.S. and located in Zurich, Switzerland, we are associated with several first-class private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which serve as custodian banks for our clients' accounts. Our asset management principles are rooted in conservative, long-term-oriented capital preservation strategies. We prioritize personalized service, crafting portfolios that are shielded against U.S. Dollar depreciation while leveraging overseas investment opportunities. Disclaimer: All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.

In this episode of Swiss View, we break down the latest developments in Trump’s global tariff policy, including the newly announced 10% worldwide tariff and the quick move to an increase to 15% under Section 122 authority. What does Section 122 of U.S. trade law actually allow? How long can tariffs remain in place without Congressional approval? And what does this mean for global markets, inflation, and supply chains? We discuss: The legal mechanics of Section 122 tariffs (150-day authority). Why businesses face rising uncertainty over future U.S. trade policy. The UK’s hope for zero steel tariffs was never realized. Why Mexico — which sends 83% of its exports to the U.S. — narrowly avoided recession. Whether manufacturing and construction could rebound in 2026 ahead of the FIFA World Cup. From U.S.–Mexico trade dependency to broader global manufacturing and supply chain risks, we examine how escalating tariffs could impact growth, investment, and financial markets. If you follow U.S. trade policy, global macroeconomics, emerging markets, or international investing, this episode provides the context for the world at large. Contact WHVP Website: https://whvp.ch/ Email: [email protected] Telephone: +41 44 315 77 77 Schedule a Meeting: https://whvp.ch/get-started About WHVP: WHVP is not just another asset manager. We are an independent firm specializing in managing the funds of private clients. Registered with the SEC in the U.S. and located in Zurich, Switzerland, we are associated with several first-class private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which serve as custodian banks for our clients' accounts. Our asset management principles are rooted in conservative, long-term-oriented capital preservation strategies. We prioritize personalized service, crafting portfolios that are shielded against U.S. Dollar depreciation while leveraging overseas investment opportunities. Disclaimer: All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.