Charles Russell has become the latest City firm to open an office in Switzerland.

The top 50 firm's Geneva practice - its first overseas office - will be launched in January next year and will be led by private client partner Catriona Syed, who will be based in the country full-time.


Ms Syed told the Gazette that the move into Switzerland was in keeping with the mix of Middle Eastern, Asian and European clients Charles Russell sees as core to its private client practice. Opening in Geneva presented opportunities to connect with growing eastern European wealth, she added.


Ms Syed said: 'On our property side it is notable that Russians are [for example] buying more London properties. New wealth often starts off in Switzerland and we're hoping to catch them while they are still accumulating.'