Swiss Women Prioritise Financial Security Over Investment Returns, Study Finds.

A new study has revealed that women in Switzerland place a stronger emphasis on financial security than on high investment returns or wealth accumulation when managing their money.

The findings come from the “Women’s Perspectives 2026” study conducted by UBS in collaboration with the research institute gfs.bern. According to the report, an overwhelming 94% of women say that money provides them with a sense of security in daily life.

When it comes to investing, 57% of women prioritise financial stability, while only 34% focus on wealth accumulation and 21% prioritise high returns. The results highlight a clear preference for lower-risk financial decisions.

More than half of the women surveyed (56%) also reported that they occasionally worry about whether they are making enough financial provision for the future. Researchers note that financial concerns play a significant role in everyday decision-making.

Cloé Jans, Senior Project Manager at gfs.bern, explained that many women still feel they lack sufficient funds to begin investing. She noted that while financial awareness is present, active investment behaviour remains limited for many respondents.

The study also found that almost 30% of women do not actively seek information about investments. Among those who do, bank advisors are the most trusted source, cited by 40% of respondents. However, there are generational differences: older women prefer professional advisors, while younger women rely more on friends and social networks.

Despite these concerns, the majority of women (82%) rate their personal financial management as good or very good.

Healthcare costs were identified as the biggest financial burden, with 46% of respondents naming health insurance premiums among their top financial concerns. These costs ranked higher than taxes and housing expenses in household budgeting.

The study surveyed 2,037 people across Switzerland, including 1,014 women, between December 2025 and January 2026, and is considered representative of the Swiss population.

Overall, the findings highlight how financial security, rather than aggressive investment strategies, continues to shape women’s financial behaviour in Switzerland.

Switzerland Banking Safety: Which Bank is Best for Savings?

Choosing a safe and reliable bank for savings in Switzerland is an important financial decision, especially for residents and expats looking for long-term security. Swiss banking is globally known for stability, strong regulation, and high trust levels, but some banks are considered safer and more practical for savings than others.

Among all banking options, Cantonal Banks are widely regarded as the most secure choice. These banks are backed by the individual cantons (regional governments), which adds an extra layer of financial protection beyond the standard Swiss deposit insurance system. In Switzerland, deposits are generally protected up to CHF 100,000 under the esisuisse guarantee scheme.

One of the strongest examples is the Zürcher Kantonalbank. It is considered one of the safest banks in the country because it has full backing from the Zurich canton government. This strong government guarantee, combined with high financial ratings, makes it a preferred option for conservative savers.

Another popular choice is Raiffeisen Switzerland. It is known for its community-based banking model and stable operations across the country. Many users choose Raiffeisen for its balance between safety and competitive savings interest rates.

The global banking giant UBS is also widely used in Switzerland. While it offers strong international services and wealth management solutions, its deposit protection follows the standard Swiss system without additional cantonal guarantees.

Additionally, PostFinance is considered a conservative option with government-linked trust perception, making it a popular choice for everyday savings and transactions.

Financial experts in Switzerland often recommend diversifying savings across multiple banks if deposits exceed CHF 100,000. This is because spreading funds reduces risk exposure and ensures full protection under Swiss deposit insurance rules. A common strategy includes splitting funds between Zürcher Kantonalbank, Raiffeisen, and investment platforms.

For residents in Zurich, Zürcher Kantonalbank is often seen as the most practical and secure choice due to its strong government backing, lower fees, and stable reputation in the Swiss financial system.