It’s no secret that relationship managers are shifting to independent wealth management – but what exactly is driving this trend? Here’s a personal story.

Many relationship managers (RMs) face the same dilemma: remain within the rigid structure of traditional banks or embrace a more entrepreneurial path. While banks can offer valuable experience and stability, the hierarchy and inflexibility make it difficult to deliver truly tailored solutions. Seasoned RMs are seeking independence to offer more personalized solutions, build stronger client relationships, and take control of their own success. In short: to better serve their clients.

This is what motivated Özgür Arzik – a former top executive at Credit Suisse – to join Marcuard Heritage. But as Özgür’s story reveals, the benefits of moving to an independent wealth management company go well beyond that.

Here, we share Özgür’s story and personal insights into his journey from banker to independent wealth manager. Read on to learn more about his career, the transition to Marcuard Heritage, the benefits he has experienced, and his advice for others considering a similar move.

A long career in the banking world

From early on, Özgür knew finance was his calling. “I have always been interested in financial markets – they are my passion,” he says. “In high school, I already knew I wanted to become a banker and specialize in financial markets and instruments.”

Having set his sights on banking early, Özgür chose to pursue a degree in the United States to deepen his knowledge before starting his career.

Over the years, he has worked for Turkish and Swiss private banks. Before joining Marcuard Heritage, he was the Managing Director and Head of the Turkish Team at Credit Suisse International Wealth Management in Zurich.

“The independent world is more flexible and offers a real value proposition to clients.”

After 25 years of experience in private banking, Özgür sought a better way to serve his clients – one without the corporate constraints, such as standardized products, revenue pressures, limited flexibility, and administrative burdens.

“I decided to move to Marcuard Heritage because I believe that working as an independent professional allows me to provide a better service to my clients without the pressure to push a bank’s products or meet revenue targets,” he explains. “Being independent allows for stronger client relationships. That means you can support clients holistically – not just with assets from a single bank but from multiple custodian banks. You can consolidate all assets and provide a comprehensive overview, creating more value for strategic and tactical asset allocation. This enables you to offer clients the best products, prices, and services. The independent world is more flexible and offers a real value proposition.”

The transition to a new environment – challenges and misconceptions

Transitioning from the banking world to independent wealth management isn’t without challenges, Özgür explains. The biggest hurdle is the new business model.

“The most challenging aspect of the transition is getting used to being in a new environment,” he says. “The independent world is completely different from the banking world. So, for those of us who have worked on the corporate side for many years, adjusting to the new environment can be difficult at first.”

A solid support system makes the transition easier, he adds – especially when it comes to FINMA requirements. “I’ve always said that good business needs good compliance, and that’s what I found at Marcuard Heritage. The company supported me in every way during the transition. The onboarding process here is state of the art – a very detailed and efficient system that protects both the client’s and the company’s interests.”

Özgür believes there are misconceptions surrounding these challenges that hold many RMs back. They get caught up in the time and energy of making the transition and lose sight of the rewards. Experienced managers with substantial assets under management have great potential to thrive in an independent environment.

“Many bankers think it’s very difficult to adapt to the independent wealth management business, with some not confident enough to bring their clients over,” he explains. “However, independent wealth managers offer a lot of advantages to the client, not only in managing their assets but also in advising on overall wealth and asset allocation. For example, if a client has multiple banking relationships, independent wealth managers can holistically manage and advise on the client’s assets, acting like their own family office.”

“If a client has multiple banking relationships, independent wealth managers can holistically manage and advise on the client’s assets, acting like their own family office.”

Why the client benefits

Indeed, many of his clients were initially skeptical about moving to an independent wealth manager, but they soon saw the advantages, says Özgür.

“When clients experience the fast service, flexibility, cost advantages, and other benefits of the independent model, they quickly see its benefits,” he says. “Especially ultra-high-net-worth clients who have assets spread across many banks. Having their accounts managed holistically by a single entity, seeing all their assets on a consolidated balance sheet from one source, and having one primary point of contact – someone who intimately understands their financial situation – offers a significant advantage.”

All of this adds up to a more personal, tailored solution for each client, says Özgür. “The customer-centric approach and minimal bureaucracy also add a unique value proposition that really resonates with my clients.”

Ultimately, the client benefits from the culture at Marcuard Heritage, where priority is placed on client relationships, he adds. “I’ve been able to spend the time I would have allocated to administrative tasks at the bank on my clients’ needs, which has allowed me to develop deeper relationships with them.”

The entrepreneurial advantage

While clients benefit from a more personal, tailored approach, RMs at Marcuard Heritage have the advantage of acting as true entrepreneurs. They are free to develop the best solutions for each client, tapping into the entire industry. And their success is tied directly to the client’s success.

“At Marcuard Heritage, the greatest advantage is choosing the bank based on the client’s needs and offering products and services that best match their profile,” says Özgür. “The elimination of conflicts of interest and the ability to provide the most effective solution to fully meet the client’s needs, rather than promoting bank products, is a significant gain.”

This encourages entrepreneurial thinking and innovation, he adds. “This company is constantly striving to improve and provide even better service to clients – strengthening its customer-centric approach and not being afraid to invest in new technologies.”

Özgür stresses the advantages of a holistic, entrepreneurial approach. ”For example, I can provide advisory services even if all assets stay in different private banking institutions.

A culture of collaboration and efficiency

Beyond these advantages, Özgür highlights the flat structure and collaborative culture at Marcuard Heritage, which is much different from large banks, where bureaucracy can slow down decision-making.

“First and foremost, things are handled swiftly and efficiently without bureaucracy,” he says. “Even in the most challenging situations, management can immediately gather and make decisions, which plays a big role in ensuring fast and effective customer service.”

Marcuard Heritage also places high importance on tools and partnerships, he adds. “We have access to systems and close collaborations with fantastic partners, which allows me to quickly access products and services at competitive prices – that’s a significant advantage compared to banks.”

A place to find freedom and balance

What about work-life balance? Özgür says that since moving to Marcuard Heritage, he has noticed a significant improvement in job satisfaction and work-life balance. He feels like he’s regained control of his schedule.

“Here, you make your own plan and focus on your clients, which is a huge advantage,” he says. “The most noticeable difference for me is that you are completely free to make your own schedule. There are no unnecessary, lengthy internal meetings or distractions. The focus is entirely on the client, and they recognize that.”

Things were much different at the bank, he explains. “In a bank, RMs are forced to dedicate more than 50% of their time to daily administrative tasks, which seriously limits your capacity to serve clients.”

His advice for other RMs considering a move?

The answer to that question is easy, says Özgür. “I would definitely encourage experienced RMs to explore independent wealth management. If you are successful, client-focused, and confident – and looking for more freedom and work-life balance – then switching to the independent side is the right move. Come find a place where you can work in the best interest of your clients instead of marketing the bank’s products and services. You’ll raise your value in the eyes of your clients and build better relationships with them – and that will lead to better outcomes for both you and your clients.”

Are you ready to take the next step?

If you’re considering a move to independent wealth management, take Özgür’s advice and contact us. Marcuard Heritage offers a partnership model that gives RMs the freedom to build their own success – backed by a robust platform and a strong support system.

“The leadership team is fully focused on providing excellent service to your clients and doing whatever is necessary to achieve that,” concludes Özgür. “This is a key factor for success.”

At Marcuard Heritage, we empower relationship managers to focus on what matters most – their clients. If you’re ready to embrace independence with the support of an experienced partner, we would love to hear from you.

Not familiar with Marcuard Heritage? Learn more about what we do.