2026 promises to be a particularly important year for theSwiss Association of Asset Managers (SAAM), the leading organization for Swiss asset managers. The beginning of the year coincides with a dual milestone: on the one hand, the change in leadership of the association, and on the other, the celebration of an anniversary marking four decades of institutional activity and representation of the sector.

Vivien JainFrom January 2026, the management of the ASG will be entrusted to Vivien Jain, appointed to take over from Patrick Dorner. The new director will be based in Zurich and will be supported by Anne Pratolini Delgado, who is based in Geneva, confirming the association's national reach and its commitment to maintaining a balanced presence among the country's major financial centers.

The handover is taking place with a view to continuity. Patrick Dorner, who has led the SAAM in recent years, will continue to closely monitor the association during the transition phase, providing advice specifically on advocacy and institutional dialogue. This is a key aspect for an organization that represents the interests of Swiss asset managers in a constantly evolving regulatory environment.

Vivien Jain's background reflects a career deeply rooted in the world of asset management and financial regulation. Before taking the helm of ASG, she served as CEO of Aquila AG from 2021 to 2025, after several years as Head of Legal Compliance & Risk at the same company. This experience allowed her to develop a thorough understanding of the operational and regulatory needs of independent asset managers.

Previously, Jain worked as a lawyer at PwC in the Financial Regulatory Services department, conducting regulatory compliance reviews for banks and asset managers, with a focus on anti-money laundering and rules of conduct. His academic background includes a law degree from the University of Lucerne, a CAS in banking, financial markets, and insurance law from the University of Zurich, and a Swiss Fund Officer diploma.

The new director's appointment comes amid a symbolic moment for the SAAM, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. Founded to provide a voice and representation for Swiss asset managers, the association has accompanied the sector's transformations over the years, from strengthened supervision to the increasing professionalization of the market.

Several commemorative initiatives and events are planned throughout the year, retracing the key milestones in this history while also offering a glimpse into the future challenges of independent asset management in Switzerland. This agenda aims to enhance the SAAM's role as a platform for dialogue between practitioners, authorities, and other stakeholders in the financial system.