«Genuine investment talent is still the hardest currency in our business»

As an entrepreneur, it’s always exciting to meet other entrepreneurs. This was also the case on Tuesday, 27.08.2024, when I met Markus Töllke and Volker Varnholt from MRB Fund Partners AG, Zurich, for a chat in their beautiful offices between Paradeplatz and Lake Zurich. I was fascinated by the expertise here and how straightforward it actually is to start a fund or other financial vehicle. As with everything, you need a plan – MRB has one. It is also good for prospective clients to know that an initial consultation is offered free of charge and, very importantly, that all services are handled and monitored in one place, which saves a lot of time and therefore money. Conclusion: I’m already looking forward to the next meeting with Markus and Volker! Thomas J. Caduff, CEO, Fundplat LLC

• Caduff: Gentlemen, talented fund managers are seeking the opportunity to set up their own business. How can you support these entrepreneurs?

Töllke: Genuine investment talent is still the hardest currency in our business. MRB offers talented portfolio managers the opportunity to launch a customized investment structure. This can be in liquid assets as well as in private assets and venture investing. MRB sets up – on behalf of its clients – a full, customized investment infrastructure. Additionally, we enable our clients to fulfill all relevant regulatory requirements (portfolio management, risk management, compliance) quickly, cost-effectively and without having to go through a separate licensing process. This makes investment talent easily visible and investable for the right investors.

• Caduff: What requirements must be met for this major step towards independence, and can you offer a free initial consultation?

We are management owned and therefore pride ourselves on a high degree of independence. Markus Töllke

Töllke: We offer free initial consultations. This is important because every project is different. With us, everything is made to fit specific requirements. MRB is management owned, that’s why we pride ourselves on a high degree of independence. We discuss the full range of options with our clients – regulated or unregulated structures in all relevant domiciles.

• Caduff: How do you differ from your competitors?

We thoroughly understand the entire landscape that our clients need to navigate. Volker Varnholt

Varnholt: We make use of the broadest possible tool set available. MRB covers all relevant fund domiciles in one place. That is an important unique selling point. Our advice is based on our own practical experience which allows anticipate certain future challenges and plan ahead accordingly. This often leads to interesting conversations that can only take place when there is a thorough understanding of the entire landscape. Of course we are also completely independent in the selection of service providers (administration, custodian bank, audit, etc.).