Get answers to common questions about private banking services, requirements, and processes.
Private banking fees typically range from 0.50% to 2.50% annually for asset management, with additional costs for custody (0.10%-0.75%), performance fees (10%-20%), and transaction fees ($25-$150 per trade). Total costs usually range from 1.00% to 4.00% depending on services and complexity.
Key strategies include consolidating assets for volume discounts, negotiating fee structures during annual reviews, unbundling services you don't need, and leveraging competitive alternatives. Clients with $10M+ often achieve 0.25%-0.75% fee reductions through negotiation.
Investment management fees are generally not deductible for individual taxpayers under current tax law. However, fees paid by trusts, foundations, or business entities may be deductible. Consult with tax advisors for specific situations and potential structuring opportunities.
Common hidden costs include bid-ask spreads (0.05%-0.50%), fund expense ratios (0.10%-2.00%), currency exchange fees (0.25%-1.50%), third-party manager fees, and tax inefficiency. These can add 1%-3% annually to your total costs.
Private banking fees are typically 0.25%-0.75% higher due to comprehensive banking services, lending facilities, and higher service levels. However, the integrated approach often provides better value for clients needing both investment and banking services.
Performance fees (typically 15%-20%) are justified for alternative investments, hedge fund strategies, or specialized mandates targeting above-market returns. They should include high water marks and hurdle rates to align manager incentives with client outcomes.
Complete guide to costs, fee structures, and negotiation strategies
Understanding the complete cost structure of private banking services
Annual percentage of assets under management
Note: Usually tiered - higher balances get lower rates
Percentage of returns above benchmark
Note: Common in hedge fund strategies and alternative investments
Safekeeping and record-keeping of assets
Note: May be included in management fee at some banks
Per-transaction charges for trades
Note: Often reduced or waived for high-balance clients
Monthly fees for banking products
Note: Typically waived with sufficient balances
Interest rates on loans and credit facilities
Note: Rates vary significantly based on secured vs unsecured
Detailed fee structures across leading private banks
New York, London, Hong Kong, Geneva
Leading global private bank serving ultra-high net worth clients with comprehensive wealth management and exclusive investment opportunities.
New York, San Francisco, Miami, Dallas
Elite private wealth management with unparalleled access to investment banking opportunities and alternative investments.
New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston
Sophisticated wealth management combining institutional research with personalized portfolio strategies.
Charlotte, New York, San Francisco, Boston
Comprehensive private banking with integrated wealth management and extensive U.S. branch network.
San Francisco, Charlotte, Minneapolis, Denver
Long-established private bank with strong fiduciary services and specialized business banking expertise.
New York, London, Singapore, Hong Kong
Global private bank for ultra-wealthy families with sophisticated international banking needs.
Additional costs that can significantly impact returns
Difference between buy and sell prices
Mitigation: Use institutional platforms, negotiate execution quality
Annual fees for mutual funds and ETFs
Mitigation: Focus on low-cost index funds, institutional share classes
Foreign exchange conversion fees
Mitigation: Negotiate better FX rates, use currency hedging
External manager and platform fees
Mitigation: Negotiate fee rebates, consider direct investments
Unnecessary tax drag from poor planning
Mitigation: Focus on tax-efficient strategies, loss harvesting
Lost returns from cash drag or timing
Mitigation: Minimize cash positions, systematic investing
Proven tactics to reduce your private banking costs
Bring all investable assets to one relationship
Requirements: Typically requires $5M+ in total assets
Demonstrate long-term family relationship
Requirements: Family assets across multiple generations
Pay only for services you actually use
Requirements: Clear understanding of service needs
Negotiate lower base fees with performance upside
Requirements: Accept performance fee risk (10-20%)
Regular benchmarking against competitors
Requirements: Document competitive alternatives
Use banking services to negotiate investment fees
Requirements: Significant banking relationship volume
Private banking fees typically range from 0.50% to 2.50% annually for asset management, with additional costs for custody (0.10%-0.75%), performance fees (10%-20%), and transaction fees ($25-$150 per trade). Total costs usually range from 1.00% to 4.00% depending on services and complexity.
Key strategies include consolidating assets for volume discounts, negotiating fee structures during annual reviews, unbundling services you don't need, and leveraging competitive alternatives. Clients with $10M+ often achieve 0.25%-0.75% fee reductions through negotiation.
Investment management fees are generally not deductible for individual taxpayers under current tax law. However, fees paid by trusts, foundations, or business entities may be deductible. Consult with tax advisors for specific situations and potential structuring opportunities.
Common hidden costs include bid-ask spreads (0.05%-0.50%), fund expense ratios (0.10%-2.00%), currency exchange fees (0.25%-1.50%), third-party manager fees, and tax inefficiency. These can add 1%-3% annually to your total costs.
Private banking fees are typically 0.25%-0.75% higher due to comprehensive banking services, lending facilities, and higher service levels. However, the integrated approach often provides better value for clients needing both investment and banking services.
Performance fees (typically 15%-20%) are justified for alternative investments, hedge fund strategies, or specialized mandates targeting above-market returns. They should include high water marks and hurdle rates to align manager incentives with client outcomes.