Iwan Deplazes

Head of Asset Management

Iwan Deplazes has been Head of Asset Management at Zürcher Kantonalbank since 2007. With assets under management of CHF 346.8 billion (as at 31 May 2026), this business area has developed into Switzerland’s second-largest asset management company, with representative offices in Frankfurt, Milan and Madrid. The range of funds offered under the Swisscanto brand name is also one of the fastest-growing in Europe. Iwan Deplazes is also responsible for the Swiss Pension Fund Study, the country’s most highly regarded benchmark for occupational pensions. He studied economics at the University of Zurich and holds a diploma from AZEK, the Swiss Training Centre for Investment Professionals. He is also a member of the Swiss Society for Financial Market Research.

Blog posts

"Higher costs of active management have paid off for policyholders"

Following significant losses in 2022, Swiss pension funds have been performing better again so far this year. Francesca Pitsch and Iwan Deplazes explain why the current economic situation does not permit a hasty interest rate adjustment and how the choice of asset allocation influences costs.

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Pension funds need to make progress in sustainability

Pension funds play a key role in Switzerland's aspired leadership position in sustainable investments.

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"Sustainability must be an integral part of asset management"

It takes the efforts of business, politicians and consumers to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable investments.

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Return gap: why small pension funds have less performance

In the review period of more than ten years, large pension funds generated more returns for their insured persons. This evaluation as part of the Swisscanto Pension Funds Study shows the reasons for the gap in returns.

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Pension funds in Switzerland: Potential for more returns

Three striking trends can be seen in the pension fund landscape. Firstly, the financial condition of the institutions has improved significantly. Secondly, large pension funds are increasingly driving out smaller ones. And thirdly, the difference in returns between the funds is considerable.

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