Alpian Global Very dynamic

A 98% equity private-bank 3a at 0.75% total cost, but the returns are backtested, not live. Worth the premium?

Alpian Global Very dynamic ranks #11 among 90 3a investment funds in Switzerland, an upper-tier placement driven by its near-full equity exposure. It's no longer Alpian's top-scoring plan, as the Swiss Very Dynamic sibling now edges ahead. It's one of the newest entrants and the most expensive digital 3a option, with a total cost of 0.75%. The strategy is aggressive: roughly 98% equities and just 2% bonds, built entirely from BlackRock index funds. Alpian positions itself as digital private banking, and the pitch is compelling, but the performance figures you'll see are backtested on indices, not a live track record.

What Are You Actually Paying For?

Total cost: 0.75% (0.15% TER plus 0.60% flat fee). That's nearly double what VIAC charges (0.41%) and 70% more than frankly (0.44%). On a CHF 100,000 portfolio, you'd pay CHF 750 versus CHF 410 at VIAC. Over 30 years, that CHF 340 annual difference compounds to approximately CHF 15,000-20,000 in lost returns.

Alpian argues the premium covers private banking-grade portfolio construction. But the fund is passively managed, which means you're not paying for active stock picking. The premium appears to be for the Alpian platform and brand rather than superior fund management.

What Actually Stands Out

Digital private banking is Alpian's pitch. You get a dedicated advisor, multilingual support (EN, FR, DE, IT), and a polished app experience. For investors who want the hand-holding of private banking without the CHF 500,000+ minimum, Alpian makes wealth management accessible.

The fund structure is passive and globally diversified. Alpian doesn't try to beat the market through stock picking, which is intellectually honest. The "Very dynamic" label means what it says: around 98% equities (roughly 63% global, 27% Swiss, 8% emerging markets) against just 2% Swiss government bonds, with at least 25% held in or hedged to Swiss francs. FINMA licensing ensures regulatory compliance.

What Most Reviews Miss

The performance figures are backtested, not live. Alpian's numbers are hypothetical index returns simulated from 2000 to 2025, not the actual fund's trading history, and backtests always flatter a strategy. What the 25-year simulation does reveal is the risk you're signing up for: 14.2% annualized volatility and a maximum drawdown of -51.8%. A 98% equity 3a can nearly halve in a bad year, so only commit money you won't need for a decade or more.

The 0.60% flat fee is the highest of any digital 3a provider. For comparison, VIAC charges 0.28-0.40% and frankly charges 0.44%. If Alpian's underlying fund performance merely matches broad indices (which passive funds should), the fee gap will directly reduce your net return versus cheaper alternatives.

The Bottom Line

Alpian is an interesting concept for investors who value the private banking experience in a 3a wrapper. Just remember the returns you see are simulated, not earned, and you're paying the segment's highest flat fee for a passive strategy. For cost-focused investors, proven providers with real track records and lower fees remain the rational choice. Review all options at our best Pillar 3a products in Switzerland page.

Verdict: A credible high-equity option if you value the Alpian brand and can stomach a potential ~50% drawdown, but the premium pricing and backtested-only performance mean cheaper, proven funds are the safer pick for most.