For many international businessmen, doing business in Switzerland begins with opening a bank account. This is not a bad place to begin, as Swiss banks are probably the most powerful institution in the country, after the government. And, if you deposit large amounts (half a million Swiss francs is large enough for most banks), your banker will go to any length to keep you satisfied.

Need a business connection? The banker will be glad to oblige. Looking to buy a Swiss watch? He will know what to buy and where. But nowadays, bankers can give the cold shoulder to people who just drop by their office.

Most new clients in private banks come from third party introductions, as bankers prefer to be able to connect a new client to somebody they already trust. You get the point— friends and clients of our friends are always welcome. The problem is finding the right banker.