Private markets: US-Riese is expanding a presence in Zurich
Icapital has been active in Zurich for five years. The move and a personnel expansion are now pending for the private markets specialist.
The US fold Icapital, founded in New York in 2013, has established itself as a leading platform for alternative systems in recent years. With a technology that automatically and scales access to private markets for banks, asset managers and multi-family offices, the company is driving the “democratization” of private markets (private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate or hedge funds) worldwide.
Zurich controls all activities outside the USA
Today Icapital has over 1,900 employees, has more than $ 266 billion in alternative platform assets and is represented in 16 offices around the world – also in Switzerland. From Zurich, all activities outside the USA have been controlled for five years. The international business of ICAPAL now comprises platform assets of $ 40 billion and employs over 450 employees at eight locations in Europe, Asia and Canada. “Private markets are currently practicing an incredible attraction. The market will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years, »says the head of international business based in Switzerland and a member of the global executive committee, Marco Bizzozero opposite finews.ch.
In summer, Icapital entered into a partnership with LGT private banking. The private bank uses Icapital technology to make private markets accessible to its customers. Icapital has also been maintaining a close partnership with the UBS for several years, which is also involved in the capital of Icapital. This is how Icapital positions itself as a central partner for institutes who want to offer their customers cleanly clean and efficiently administered private markets solutions.
Product range strongly expanded
2025 marked a year of massive growth for Icapital. In May, the company announced the takeover of the WEATTH alternative unit from Citigroup. With the integration of more than 180 funds, Icapital is significantly expanding its product range, while Citi is closely integrated as a distributor. In July there was a capital increase of over $ 820 million, which the company provides with an evaluation of more than $ 7.5 billion. These funds should also be used for takeovers and international expansion.
Moving and then staffing up
Icapital is also increasing in terms of personnel – especially in Zurich. Today the team comprises 35 people. In the future it should be significantly more. “In the next few years we are aiming for a personnel expansion in Zurich and in our other international locations,” says Bizzozero.
To do this, more space must first be created. For this reason, Icapital is moving its headquarters in Zurich from Bahnhofstrasse to Claridenstrasse this December opposite the congress house. “There we have the opportunity to double our staff,” says Bizzozero.
