Zurich-based wealth management group Julius Bär announced a new share buyback program of up to CHF 600 million and a revised capital distribution policy on October 2, 2026. Following regulatory approval and supported by its solid capital position, the board of directors approved the buyback program, which is expected to commence in the coming weeks and be completed within one year, subject to prevailing market conditions. The shares will be purchased via a second trading line on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
Alongside the buyback, the group announced an update to its capital distribution policy, which encompasses dividend payouts and share buyback programs. Julius Bär intends to maintain a dividend payout ratio between 40% and 60% of the IFRS net profit attributable to shareholders, with an objective to distribute a progressive dividend per share barring any exceptional events. The group remains committed to maintaining a solid capital base with a target CET1 capital ratio of 15%.
Chairman Noel Quinn noted that the board is pleased with the progress made by CEO Stefan Bollinger and the leadership team in addressing legacy issues, as well as the transparent dialogue maintained with the regulatory authority throughout the process. Quinn stated that the revised capital policy reflects the strongly capital-generative nature of the business and a balanced approach to capital distribution, returning excess capital to shareholders while preserving the financial strength and flexibility required to execute the confirmed financial targets for the 2026–2028 cycle.
As of the end of June 2026, Julius Bär's assets under management stood at CHF 547 billion. Operating globally across approximately 25 countries and around 60 locations, the bank's shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol BAER and are included in the Swiss Leader Index (SLI).
