Barclays has appointed John Shipman as chief executive officer of Barclays Bank (Suisse) SA, strengthening leadership at its Swiss private banking arm as the lender seeks to expand its wealth management presence in a key international hub.
Shipman will be based in Geneva and joins Barclays Private Bank International with more than 25 years of experience spanning private banking, commercial strategy and risk management. In his new role, he will oversee the bank’s Swiss operations, a core centre for cross-border wealth management and global client relationships.
Annabelle Bryde, head of Barclays Private Bank International, said the appointment supports the bank’s ambitions to deepen its position in Switzerland.
“We are delighted to welcome John to Barclays. I am confident that under his leadership, we will continue to grow our Swiss business as a strategic platform for international wealth corridors and reinforce our market position as a leading institution committed to delivering excellence for our clients and delivery partners,” Bryde said.
Shipman joins from HSBC, where he most recently served as interim chief executive of the bank’s Swiss private banking business and country head for Switzerland. He had spent around 15 years at the bank, including six years as chief risk officer of its Swiss private bank.
His appointment also marks a leadership transition at Barclays’ Swiss unit. Rahim Daya, who led the business and spent more than a decade with the firm, is moving into a new role as global head of sales management for Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management.
Barclays has operated in Geneva for more than four decades and expanded its private client presence to Zurich in 2012. The Swiss platform remains a strategic base for the bank’s global private banking franchise, particularly for clients with cross-border wealth needs.
Shipman’s appointment comes at a time when the Swiss wealth management sector continues to adjust following the collapse of Credit Suisse in 2023 and wider shifts in the region’s private banking industry.
