Switzerland is internationally renowned for its beautiful landscapes, exquisite watches, and delicious chocolates as well as for its banking industry.  But a lesser-known fact is that Swiss Bankers are sometimes referred to as the “Gnomes of Zurich” thanks to their ability to manage their clients’ assets with absolute discretion.

Mark Van Thiel, experienced international compliance expert, will take us on a walking tour through the heart of the Swiss financial district, recounting entertaining stories about the Gnomes of Zurich and their legendary transactions.

This event is for you if you are:

• Curious to hear exciting tales about the Gnomes of Zurich and some of their most notorious clients;
• Interested in taking a tour through Zurich, the heart of the Swiss financial centre; and
• Keen to meet up in-person and network with fellow Irish expats, IBN Switzerland members and friends of Ireland.

The tour will last for approximately 90 minutes. 

Please note that places are limited to 20 people and will be allocated to those who have registered on this link:   on a first come, first served basis.

When:          Saturday 25^th June 2022, 14:00 – 15:30 CET

Where:        James Joyce Bar, Pelikanstrasse 8, 8001 Zurich (from 13:50)

RSVP by:      by 22^nd June 2022                

Fee:             CHF 30.00  

Please contact us at committee@irishbusinessnetwork.ch for any queries or to join the waiting list in case of over subscription.

About the Gnomes of Zurich tour and Mark van Thiel

The Gnomes of Zurich tour has been created and is presented by Mark van Thiel. Mark is specialised in anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. He was the deputy director of the Swiss Financial Intelligence Unit (MROS), acting program manager of the Egmont Centre of FIU Excellence and Leadership (ECOFEL) and has been consulting financial intermediaries in Switzerland and Liechtenstein as well as governments worldwide in these matters.

About Us:

The IBN is a network of professionals living and/or working in Switzerland who are Irish or have an affiliation with Ireland. Membership is free, and our members represent a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We are actively supported by Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Eamon Hickey, Ambassador of Ireland to Switzerland.

The IBN is a registered non-profit association, managed by its members on a voluntary basis.

By registering for this event, participants release IBN and the organiser from any liability claims related to any direct or indirect damages, including, but not limited to injury, accident or illness.