Obiettivo del presente lavoro è identificare le principali connotazioni specifiche della professione di private banker. In seguito ad una prima analisi della genesi del ruolo e dei fattori che ne hanno determinato l’evoluzione nel tempo, si sono indagati: quali mansioni e responsabilità ricopre e quali riporti gerarchici è chiamato a rispettare, quali caratteristiche comportamentali e attitudinali siano distintive del ruolo, quale il livello di competenze necessario al suo esercizio e quali i gap formativi ancora da colmare. Non da ultime, sono state rilevate le difficoltà quotidiane e le fonti di soddisfazione tipiche della professione, nonché gli strumenti motivazionali e di incentivazione utilizzati dalle realtà di private banking. L’indagine è stata condotta attraverso l’analisi congiunta di più progetti di ricerca quali-quantitativi, che hanno visto il coinvolgimento di private banker e opinion leader di settore. Emerge così una figura professionale ancora in divenire per effetto di cambiamenti strutturali del mercato, oggi guidati dal nuovo contesto normativo, dalla crisi finanziaria e dal processo di globalizzazione continua. / The aim of this paper is to identify the main aspects of the private banking profession. Following a preliminary analysis of its origins and the factors that led to its evolution over recent years, this research investigates main tasks and duties of a private banker, his position in the organizational chart of the company, behavioural and attitudinal characteristics relevant to his role, required level of skills and expertise, as well as knowledge gaps still to be filled. A special focus has been put on his daily difficulties and typical sources of satisfaction, in addition to motivational tools and incentives used by private banking organizations. The survey has been conducted by means of a combined analysis of various qualitative and quantitative research projects, involving both private bankers and opinion leaders within the banking sector. The emerging scenario is an evolving professional role as a result of current structural changes in the business, constantly subjected to new regulations, recurring financial crisis and the continuous globalization process.

In South Africa, less than 10% of individuals are financially independent after retirement, with an increasing number becoming dependent on social grants from government – hence the importance of analysing the asset composition of high net worth individuals who have achieved financial independence. To achieve the aim of this study, it was first necessary to define net worth and to develop a theoretical framework of the assets and liabilities included in the measurement of an individual’s net worth and how these assets and liabilities should be valued. A definition of high net worth individuals was then formulated. Secondly, the factors influencing the asset composition of high net worth individuals, as well as selected demographic factors that influence net worth, were investigated. Finally, following a quantitative approach, data collected from the liquidation and distribution accounts of deceased individuals were analysed according to the developed framework. The results of this study suggest that are indeed differences in the contribution of the different asset types when measured using the mean, relative contribution and importance of the asset class in comparison with total assets. Further analysis revealed that the richest individuals included in the survey invested more in shares than the other groups for whom immovable property was the primary asset. Based on the analysis of selected demographic factors, the findings indicated that for many of the dependent variables, the asset used most by respondents in that group was not the same asset that made the highest contribution to the net worth of the individuals in the group. / Business Management / M. Com. (Accounting)

In South Africa, less than 10% of individuals are financially independent after retirement, with an increasing number becoming dependent on social grants from government – hence the importance of analysing the asset composition of high net worth individuals who have achieved financial independence. To achieve the aim of this study, it was first necessary to define net worth and to develop a theoretical framework of the assets and liabilities included in the measurement of an individual’s net worth and how these assets and liabilities should be valued. A definition of high net worth individuals was then formulated. Secondly, the factors influencing the asset composition of high net worth individuals, as well as selected demographic factors that influence net worth, were investigated. Finally, following a quantitative approach, data collected from the liquidation and distribution accounts of deceased individuals were analysed according to the developed framework. The results of this study suggest that are indeed differences in the contribution of the different asset types when measured using the mean, relative contribution and importance of the asset class in comparison with total assets. Further analysis revealed that the richest individuals included in the survey invested more in shares than the other groups for whom immovable property was the primary asset. Based on the analysis of selected demographic factors, the findings indicated that for many of the dependent variables, the asset used most by respondents in that group was not the same asset that made the highest contribution to the net worth of the individuals in the group. / Taxation / M. Com. (Accounting)