Our heritage as a compass for the future
Dreyfus Banquiers was founded in 1813 and has been family-owned ever since. This continuity is reflected in our attitude and our self-image. Over seven generations and with around 200 employees, most of whom have been with us for many years, we have remained true to our values and carefully passed them on. They are the common thread running through our history and explain how we think, make decisions, and shape our relationships.
The beginnings of Dreyfus Banquiers
Dreyfus Banquiers dates back to a trading house founded by Isaac Dreyfus-Bernheim (1785–1845) over two hundred years ago in Basel. Trade in fabrics, goods, and promissory notes, as well as freight forwarding services were the starting point of his entrepreneurial activities. Soon the real estate lending business in Alsace became a second pillar of his enterprise.
Isaac Dreyfus-Bernheim immigrated to Switzerland in 1812 as a French Jew. As one of the first European Jews to be granted civil rights, he took advantage of the economic opportunities this afforded him. There are few written records of his life, but his business career is well documented. Raised in a family of fabric merchants in Alsace, he initially gained experience as a commercial clerk and army supplier during a period of profound upheaval.
In the second generation, his sons continued the real estate and mortgage business. In addition, the family became increasingly involved in the Swiss securities and issuing market, laying the foundation for today’s private bank.
Growth and structural change
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the family business transitioned to a private bank. During this period, Dreyfus Banquiers played a key role, amongst other things, in the establishment of prominent companies in the banking and pharmaceutical sectors.
In recent years, the bank has systematically expanded its international focus and strategically strengthened its expertise in wealth management. Since 2022, this has included a majority stake in Luxembourg-based Midas Wealth Management S.A., which complements the Group’s capabilities in managing complex cross-border asset structures.
1813
Founding of the trading company Isaac Dreyfus-Bernheim
1823
Entry of the trading company in the regional register
1843
Arrival of the second generation, represented by Leopold Dreyfus-Hirsch, Jacques Dreyfus-Jeidels and Samuel Dreyfus-Neumann
1850
Focus on credit, mortgage and issuance business (Office of the Procurators, 1953)
1863
Investment in Basler Handelsman, the city’s first commercial bank
1868
Establishment of Bank Dreyfus-Jeidels in Frankfurt by son Jacques (designated Aryan in 1938)
1872
Board of Directors mandate at the new Basler Bankverein
1876
Founding member of the Basler stock exchange
(Photograph from 1930–1940)
1876
Arrival of the third generation, represented by Isaac A. Dreyfus-Strauss, Benoit A. Dreyfus-Brettauer and Jules Dreyfus-Brodsky. The company was completely transferred to the latter in 1934.
1924
Arrival of the fourth generation, represented by Georges Dreyfus-Isler, Paul Dreyfus-de Gunzburg (President of the Board of Directors) and Vera Dreyfus-de Gunzburg (Photograph: Paul und Vera)
1935
Arrival of the fifth generation, represented by Richard Dreyfus (Vice President of the Board of Directors), Peter S. Dreyfus, Vladimir B. Dreyfus und Hans Guth-Dreyfus (President of the Board of Directors)
1936
Acquisition of the Basel office Paul Saupahr & Cie, the Swiss representative of Lazard Frères, Paris
1942
Conversion into a family stock corporation with CHF 1 million in share capital
1948
Focus on asset management and foreign exchange trading, increase in share capital to CHF 2 million
1958
Relocation to the new building at Aeschenvorstadt 16
1979
Arrival of the sixth generation, represented by Andreas Guth (President of the Board of Directors), Alexis Blum (Vice President of the Board of Directors), Pierre Dreyfus (Vice President of the Board of Directors) und Catherine Dreyfus Soguel
1989
Change of the company name to Dreyfus Söhne & Cie. AG, Banquiers
1990
30% participation on the part of Lazard Brothers & Co. Ltd., London
1998
Increase in capital share to CHF 30 million
2005
Transfer of 100% of shares to the founding family
2011
Opening of offices in Delémont, Lausanne, Lugano, Tel Aviv, and Zurich
2013
Founding of The Isaac Dreyfus-Bernheim Foundation
2014
Arrival of the seventh generation, represented by Philippe Blum, Felix Dreyfus and Manuel Guth (L to R)
2021
Partnership with Midas Wealth Management, Luxemburg through the gradual acquisition of a majority of the share capital
1812
1st Generation, 1812-1849
1812 to 1845Isaac Dreyfus(1785-1845)
1845 to 1849Judith Dreyfus-Bernheim(1787-1864)
1843
2nd Generation, 1843-1905
1843 to 1884Leopol Dreyfus-Hirsch(1818-1884)
1847 to 1868Jacques Dreyfus-Jeidels(1826-1890)
1845 to 1905Samuel Dreyfus-Neumann(1820-1905)
1849
1876
3rd Generation, 1876-1942
1876 to 1933Isaac A. Dreyfus-Strauss(1852-1936)
1876 to 1933Benoit A. Dreyfus-Brettauer(1848-1933)
1887 to 1942Jules Dreyfus-Brodsky(1859-1942)
1905
1924
4th Generation, 1924-1972
1924 to 1935Georges Dreyfus-Isler(1893-1935)
1924 to 1967Paul Dreyfus-de Gunzburg(1895-1967)
1967 to 1972Vera Dreyfus-de Gunzburg(1898-1972)
1935
5th Generation, 1935-2013
1935 to 2004Richard Dreyfus(1913-2004)
1946 to 2001Peter S. Dreyfus(1924-2001)
1955 to 2013Vladimir B. Dreyfus(1933-2013)
1958 to 2010Hans Guth-Dreyfus(1913-2010)
1942
1972
1979
6th Generation, seit 1979
since 1979Andreas Guth(b. 1955)
since 1983Alexis Blum(b. 1953)
1992 to 2025Pierre Dreyfus(b. 1949)
2005 to 2017Catherine Dreyfus Soguel(1944-2025)
2005
2014
7th Generation, since 2014
since 2014Manuel Guth(b. 1983)
since 2015Philippe Blum(b. 1985)
since 2022Felix Dreyfus(b. 1985)
2026
Leadership in the sixth and seventh generations
Currently, responsibility for Dreyfus Banquiers lies with the sixth and seventh generations of the family. Representatives of the sixth generation are Andreas Guth and Alexis Blum, while Manuel Guth, Philippe Blum and Felix Dreyfus represent the seventh generation. The latter ensure continuity and have diverse professional backgrounds and skills that bring new perspectives to the table. We see this diversity as a strength because it allows us to assess situations in different ways and develop the bank with foresight.
Company culture with a history
As a family business, we have developed a keen sense for lasting relationships. We often accompany our clients from one generation to the next. We work with people who value discretion, stability, and individual solutions. We value long-term cooperation with our employees as well. This means that you will have the same client advisors at your side for many years, which promotes mutual trust.
At a Glance
The following topics explore what sets us apart as an institution.
Learn moreOur management
Dreyfus Banquers is led by people who think of responsibility in the long term.
