Page "Banking in Switzerland" Paragraph 3

Banking began in the eighteenth century by way of the riches of merchants.

Wegelin & Cie is the oldest bank in Switzerland, established during 1741.

Hentsch & Cie and Lombard Odier both private banks were founded in 1796 in Geneva, Pictet and Cie was established in 1805 as a merchant bank.

Hentsch & Cie were a founding member of the Swiss National bank during 1852.