Why we manage assets in Liechtenstein—and what this financial center means for investors from all over the world.
Gutenberg Castle, Balzers, Liechtenstein
The Principality has been an established financial center for decades: politically stable, financially sound, and closely connected with Europe and Switzerland.
Many of our clients consciously invest a portion of their assets in Liechtenstein. A second, stable location constitutes a form of diversification—similar to diversification across asset classes and currencies.
AAA
Country rating with a stable outlook—one of only eleven countries with this top rating.
S&P Global Ratings, May 2026
20,1 %
Tier 1 capital ratio of Liechtenstein banks, compared to a European average of 17.8%.
Office of Statistics, as of year-end 2025
538 billion
Client assets in CHF, managed by Liechtenstein banking groups.
Office of Statistics, as of year-end 2025
1924
The Swiss franc has been the official currency of Liechtenstein since this year.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Liechtenstein is a constitutional hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis. Direct democratic elements, such as referendums, are firmly established. This combination ensures distinct continuity: fundamental policy decisions are broadly supported and rarely revised on short notice.
Liechtenstein is practically debt-free. In May 2026, S&P Global Ratings once again affirmed the country's rating with the top grade AAA and a stable outlook; the agency refers to high reserves and a forward-looking fiscal policy. These buffers provide the country with scope to cushion even weaker economic phases.
Liechtenstein is not a member of the European Union, but it has been part of the European Economic Area (EEA) since 1995, providing access to the European Single Market. At the same time, the country has been closely linked to Switzerland since the Customs Treaty of 1923 and has used the Swiss franc as its national currency since 1924.
1923
Customs Treaty with Switzerland
1980
Currency Treaty with Switzerland
1995
Accession to the EEA
Liechtenstein banks are capitalized well above average. At the end of 2025, their consolidated Tier 1 capital ratio stood at 20.1%—the average for European banks was 17.8% according to the European Banking Authority. Liechtenstein banking groups managed client assets of 538 billion CHF at the end of 2025.
The financial center is supervised by the independent Financial Market Authority Liechtenstein (FMA) and follows European standards as an EEA member. Deposits at Liechtenstein banks are protected by the Deposit Guarantee and Investor Compensation Foundation (EAS) up to 100,000 CHF per client and bank.
When diversifying assets, most people think of asset classes and currencies. Location is an additional dimension. A custody account in Liechtenstein, in Swiss francs and integrated into Europe, complements wealth that is otherwise primarily held in one's home country—calm, transparent, and designed for the long term.
Your custody account is held in your name at LLB, the country's most traditional bank. Estably manages your assets—the bank holds them in custody.
Is Liechtenstein a member of the European Union?
No. Liechtenstein is not an EU member, but it has been part of the European Economic Area since 1995. This means that European standards apply to the financial center, while the country remains closely linked to Switzerland through the Customs and Currency Treaty.
Do I have to travel to Liechtenstein to open a custody account?
No. The account opening process is fully digital. If you wish, you are of course welcome to visit us in person in Liechtenstein.
How are my capital gains taxed?
Capital gains are taxable in your country of residence. Liechtenstein participates in the international Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) in tax matters. We provide you with the necessary documents for your tax return annually.
How are my assets protected?
Securities in your custody account belong to you and are held by the custodian bank separately from its own assets. Cash balances are protected by the EAS deposit guarantee up to 100,000 CHF per client and bank.
Who supervises Estably?
The Financial Market Authority Liechtenstein (FMA). Estably is licensed as an asset manager in Liechtenstein and, as part of the European Economic Area, is subject to European standards. Your contractual partner is Estably Vermögensverwaltung AG in Vaduz.
Sources: S&P Global Ratings (confirmation dated May 25, 2026), Liechtenstein Office of Statistics (Banks 2025), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Liechtenstein Bankers Association, and EAS. This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute investment or tax advice.
In a personal consultation, we will explain how a custody account in Liechtenstein fits your financial situation.
