Our Take on VIAC Global 100
A 0.01% TER on a 3a fund with 99% stocks. That's not a typo.
VIAC Global 100 ranks #1 among 67 3a investment funds in Switzerland. It's built for investors who want maximum equity exposure at rock-bottom cost. If you have 15+ years until retirement and can stomach market drops without losing sleep, this is the benchmark everyone else is measured against.
What Does a 0.01% TER Actually Mean?
Your total annual cost is 0.41% (0.01% TER plus 0.40% flat fee). On a CHF 50,000 portfolio, that's CHF 205 per year. A typical Swiss 3a fund charges 0.80-1.20% all in, so you'd pay CHF 400-600 for the same balance. Over 30 years of contributions, that difference compounds into tens of thousands of francs.
The passive index strategy keeps costs low by tracking broad market indices rather than paying stock pickers. VIAC doesn't charge custody fees or transaction costs on top, which is rare. What you see is genuinely what you pay.
What Actually Stands Out
The 99% stock allocation is the most aggressive you'll find in Swiss 3a. There's virtually no bond drag on returns, which explains the +51.49% five-year performance. VIAC uses a global index approach, giving you exposure to thousands of companies across the US, Europe, Asia, and emerging markets.
VIAC's app lets you customize your allocation within set boundaries, which most competitors don't offer. You can tilt toward specific regions or add Swiss real estate. The FINMA-regulated custodian bank (WIR Bank) provides the required deposit protection.
What Most Reviews Miss
With 99% in stocks, you're fully exposed to market downturns. In 2022, broad equity indices dropped 15-20%. If you're within 10 years of retirement, a single bad year could materially impact your withdrawal amount. There's no bond cushion to soften the blow.
VIAC is digital-only. No physical branches, no face-to-face advisor. If the app goes down during a market crash (it's happened), you can't call someone to talk you off the ledge. Customer support is email and chat only. For some investors, that's fine. For others, it's a dealbreaker.
The Bottom Line
VIAC Global 100 is the gold standard for cost-conscious, long-horizon 3a investors who want pure equity exposure. The numbers back it up: lowest fees, top-tier returns, and a transparent passive strategy. See how it compares in our guide to the best 3a investment funds in Switzerland.
Verdict: The best choice for aggressive investors with 15+ years to retirement who won't panic-sell during downturns.
Pros
- Low total costs (0.41% p.a.)
- Strong 5-year performance (+51.5%)
- No custody fee
Cons
- High flat fee (0.40%)
- High stock allocation = more volatility
- No swing pricing protection
Product Details
At a Glance
- 99% stocks allocation
- TER: 0.01%
- Passive/Index strategy
- No custody fee
Fund Details & Allocation
Fund Details & Allocation
Asset Allocation
Stocks
99%
Bonds
0%
Other
1%
Investment Strategy
Passively-managed fund
Depositary Bank
UBS for securities, Bank WIR for cash
Swing Pricing
No
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
TER
0.01%
Flat Fee
0.40%
Custody Fee
Free
Performance Over Time
Historical performance of this investment fund. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
1 Year
+8.2%
3 Years
+42.7%
5 Years
+51.5%
Retirement Projection
Based on max. contribution of CHF 7’258/year, age 30 to 65 (35 years), starting from CHF 0.
Compare to Similar Products
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum annual Pillar 3a contribution?
- For employees with a pension fund, the maximum is CHF 7,258 per year (2025). Self-employed without a pension fund can contribute up to 20% of net income, max CHF 35,288. These amounts are fully tax-deductible.
- What are the tax benefits of this Pillar 3a product?
- Contributions to VIAC Global 100 are fully deductible from your taxable income. Interest and returns grow tax-free. You only pay tax at a reduced rate when you withdraw at retirement.
- Can I transfer to VIAC Global 100 from another provider?
- Yes, you can transfer your 3a balance to VIAC Global 100 at any time without tax consequences, and Viac charges no transfer or closure fee.
- Should I choose a savings account or investment fund for my 3a?
- Savings accounts offer guaranteed returns with zero risk — ideal if you're close to retirement. Investment funds provide higher growth potential but with market risk — ideal for 10+ year horizons. Many Swiss residents split their contributions between both.
- Is the performance of VIAC Global 100 guaranteed?
- No, investment fund returns are not guaranteed. Past performance of +51.5% over 5 years does not guarantee future results. Your capital can fluctuate with markets.
How We Rated This Product
VIAC Global 100 was evaluated as a product using our weighted scoring system.
Ratings are updated monthly based on the latest available data. All products are evaluated using the same methodology.
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Open the VIAC Global 100 today and start enjoying its benefits.