David Durlacher

Spear’s Review

David Durlacher, chief executive officer of Julius Baer in the UK and Guernsey, is clear about the firm’s role in the wider financial services landscape. 

‘Julius Baer is not a firm for everybody; we do not try and be all things to all people. But what we do, we do exceptionally well,’ he has said. 

Durlacher joined Julius Baer when the firm acquired Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2013. He had previously held a number of roles at Merrill Lynch, originally joining the business as an associate financial adviser. 

After three years as head of relationship management at Julius Baer, Durlacher was promoted to CEO of the UK and Guernsey business in 2016. He places value in the wealth manager’s heritage as a Swiss private bank – and the strength offered by its position on the international stage.

In 2023, the firm continued its UK expansion with the unveiling of its Newcastle office – its sixth in the UK – following outposts in Belfast, Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester, all of which opened in the seven years prior. That same year, Julius Baer moved its London wealth headquarters from St Martin’s Le Grand to Greville Street in Farringdon.

There is more change on the horizon: Julius Baer will welcome Stefan Bollinger as its new CEO in early 2025.