Felix Schleimer

A THIRST FOR LEARNING

Head of Nordic Markets, Amber Lion Partners

Continuous learning and a keen interest in other cultures is what Felix Schleimer enjoys the most as a Private Banker. He started his career in the financial district in London but has since moved to Zurich, where he works for a multi-family office.

You started your career in investment banking. How did you get your break in the industry?

It was an unconventional path that began with winning a Dragon’s Den-style challenge at university. While the business idea wasn’t feasible at the time due to a lack of technical expertise, funding, and experience, the real prize was an interview for Deutsche Bank’s graduate programme. This opportunity launched my career in finance, eventually leading me to Barclays, where I worked with clients in the DACH region.

You now live in Switzerland, what brought you to Zurich?  

While working in London, I was responsible for the Scandinavian, Luxemburg, and Liechtenstein markets and I often travelled to Switzerland. When cryptocurrencies became a trillion-dollar asset class (that I knew nothing about), I decided to uproot and join a bank here. I started working for an old client, but today I work for a multi-family office where I am Head of the Nordic Markets.

What is the biggest difference between Switzerland and London?

London is a fast-paced city that, along with New York, attracts top talent from around the globe. In contrast, Zurich offers a better quality of life, with nature right at your doorstep and a different work-life balance. Living here encourages engaging in outdoor activities and spending time in nature. While people in Zurich work hard, they place a greater emphasis on maintaining their private lives compared to my former colleagues in London.

What excites you about your career?

I am fortunate to be in a position where I work with high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs, helping them with investing and growing their wealth which enables them to grow their companies. Both my role and my clients are very diverse; I interact with people from various countries and backgrounds. It can be anyone from successful entrepreneurs to families with generational wealth. Their understanding of the financial markets and money management also varies – some are quite knowledgeable, while others require more guidance.

What drives you? 

What I appreciate about my job is that there’s always more to learn. My two mentors, whom I met through The Swedish School, once told me that no matter how much you study, there’s always more to know. This is a valuable lesson to remember, especially in an industry where it’s easy to become overconfident.  

Every day, I remain humble because there’s no crystal ball to predict every situation. You can’t just improvise; doing so can result in financial losses and erode your client’s trust. It’s crucial to remember that you are responsible for inheritance, life savings, and the wealth of future generations.

What is most important when pursuing a career in your sector? 

It’s essential to be curious and seek help when needed. If you come across something you don’t fully understand, take the time to research and learn about it later. 

Another piece of advice is to explore your strengths before specialising and finding your niche. It’s important to try different things to discover what suits you best. When you’re young, you have the freedom to explore various roles and opportunities. Some positions in finance are highly sought after, but they may not be the right fit for you. For instance, when I was at Barclays in London, trading was considered the most desirable job in the industry. However, I quickly realised I needed to pursue a different career path.

”My two mentors, whom I met through The Swedish School, once told me that no matter how much you study, there’s always more to know.”

What did you gain from your time at the Swedish School? 

The Swedish School offers a unique experience with its international perspective and the opportunity to learn from those around you. I am fortunate to have two mentors, Thomas and Michael, who are both parents from the school. They have provided me with invaluable advice over the years, and I am incredibly grateful for their guidance.  

Another influential person in my life is my former music and social science teacher, Hans Norin. Without Hasse’s encouragement, I might never have explored my interest in music. He encouraged me to try different genres and instruments. I am so grateful for meeting Hasse; he has shaped me to the person I am today.  

I also made some of my closest friends at the school, and we continue to celebrate Midsummer together every year.

Is being international important to you? 

I am very grateful to have learnt that things work differently in different places, which has made me a curious person. Although I grew up with Swedish values, I must admit that I feel quite un-Swedish these days. I’ve moved around quite a bit since I was young, and I’ve found that if you immerse yourself in a new environment, you eventually adapt. I have great respect for anyone who has moved to a different country and navigated the challenges of adjusting to a new environment and language.