ABOUT US · OUR ORIGINS
From Bern to the world. And back again.
Two finance professionals-turned-entrepreneurs with global roots and local loyalty — inspired by the Aare river and its bridges, symbolising connection and continuity.
Aarbay is built by two co-founders who have seen Swiss finance from every angle.
Nicola brings 15 years of investment experience at UBS, AIG, Robeco, and BNP Paribas in Bern and Zurich, combined with nearly a decade as serial entrepreneur across medical technology and agribusiness in Peru and Switzerland.
Mark spent 25 years at UBS, BNP Paribas, Source — acquired by Invesco in 2017 — and BlackRock, starting in private wealth alongside wealth clients in Bern and Zurich before moving to London's financial centre, building one of Europe's largest ETF businesses, and ultimately working with Switzerland's most prominent CIO offices on portfolio construction at institutional level.
Between them: the portfolio architect's precision, the wealth manager's empathy, and the entrepreneur's conviction that every Swiss private individual deserves the same quality of thinking.
OUR ORIGINS
Inspired by the Aare and its bridges.
Aarbay takes its name from the Aare river and the bridges that surround Bern — symbols of connection, continuity, and the idea that the right structure can take you further than you'd go alone.
Founded in Bern by Nicola Steiner and Mark Vallon — both active in international financial markets since 1999 — Aarbay brings together decades of institutional expertise and entrepreneurial experience in service of one goal: helping Swiss private individuals build wealth with clarity, structure, and the right building blocks.
Nicola Steiner, CAIA
Founding Partner
Mark Vallon, CAIA
Founding Partner
01 | The Name
Aarbay — from the Aare river (Aar) and the concept of a bay and harbour. A place of shelter, structure, and departure. Rooted in Bern, open to the world.
02 | The Mission
An independent house for investment and wealth building. Combining financial education, clear structure, and a well-considered investment architecture — as a solid foundation for your long-term wealth.
03 | House of Aarbay
A curatorial home for people who think about finance, entrepreneurship, culture, and lifestyle holistically. In selected formats, we bring this world together.
LET’S TALK
A journey worth taking. Together.
Every great journey begins with a conversation. Tell us a bit about yourself, and let’s explore where this could lead.
We can't wait to hear from you!