Iwan Deplazes

Head of Asset Management

Since 2007, Iwan Deplazes has been leading Asset Management at Zürcher Kantonalbank. Under his leadership, the business unit has grown to become the second-largest asset manager in Switzerland, managing assets worth CHF 325 billion (as of 31 December 2025). With sales offices in Frankfurt, Milan, and Madrid, the fund provider under the Swisscanto brand is also one of the fastest-growing in Europe. As part of his responsibilities, he oversees the Swiss Pension Fund Study, which is regarded as the leading benchmark for occupational pension schemes in Switzerland.

In addition to his role at Zürcher Kantonalbank, Iwan Deplazes is a board member of the Asset Management Association Switzerland (AMAS), where he served as president until 2026. His academic background includes a degree in economics from the University of Zurich and a qualification from AZEK. Furthermore, he is 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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