findependent Standard 99

Same score as VIAC Global 100, a lower fee, and still ranked behind it. Here's why.

findependent Standard 99 ranks #3 of 109 3a investment funds, on points that come from findependent's back-test (the 3a went live on 19 October 2026). It ties VIAC Global 100 at 88.89%, and in our ranking ties go to the incumbent. With 40% of its equities in Swiss stocks, it suits growth investors who want a real home tilt without giving up world markets.

What Do the Numbers Say?

Start with cost: 0.29% a year, all-in. On CHF 100,000 that's CHF 290, versus CHF 390 at finpension (0.39%) and about CHF 410 for VIAC Global 100 (0.41%). A CHF 100 to CHF 120 gap every year compounds into real money over a long 3a life, and it's the most certain number on this page.

The returns are less certain. findependent's back-test shows +43.7% over five years and +158.0% over ten, after all costs. That's below Global 99's simulated +51.8% and +180.6%, because a bigger Swiss share means fewer US stocks. Remember these are simulated figures built from index data, not money real clients earned.

What Actually Stands Out

The 40/60 split between Swiss and foreign equities is the differentiator. You get Swiss blue chips alongside global markets, all through zero-fee Swisscanto institutional index funds. For US and Japan stocks, findependent uses IPF funds, which are exempt from foreign withholding tax because only pension institutions can hold them.

The costs that usually hide in a 3a simply don't exist here: no FX markups (every fund trades in CHF), no stamp duty and no exchange fees. findependent takes no retrocessions either. You can check exactly what you own on the Swisscanto factsheets.

What Most Reviews Miss

With 99% stocks, the back-test fell 40.2% in 2008. There's no bond, real estate or gold slice to soften a crash, just 1% cash. The Swiss tilt helped a little against Global 99 (-42.9% that year), but not enough to call this defensive. Hold it for decades and you should expect at least one year like that.

Also read the fine print on early withdrawals. Buying a home, going self-employed or emigrating triggers a fee from findependent's schedule, and the amounts aren't published yet. Moving your 3a to another provider is free, so you're never locked in, but you can't price a home-purchase withdrawal in advance.

The Bottom Line

Standard 99 is the pick if you want maximum equity at the lowest fee we track but don't want 60% of your stocks in the US. It loses the tie to VIAC Global 100 on our rules, not on cost. Before you decide, browse the full list of best Pillar 3a products in Switzerland.

Verdict: A cheaper, more Swiss-tilted alternative to the big 100% equity 3a strategies, if you accept a back-tested record for now.