MLB(S) History

Be a part of, create history and mold the future with us at Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A..

Merrill Lynch's history in Switzerland dates back to 1952 when a Merrill Lynch American Account Executive launched the firm's European Representative Office from his hotel room at l'Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. When Merrill Lynch first opened a real office in Geneva, it was at 12, Boulevard du Theâtre with initially around 35 employees.

In 1984, the Bank acquired American Fletcher Bank and also it's historical address at 7, rue Munier-Romilly which was then sold in 2001 in order to streamline all operations under one roof. Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. now has approximately 280 employees in Switzerland.

1914
On 6 January, Charles E Merrill & Co. opens its doors. Merrill's credo: "I have no fear of failure, provided I use my heart and head, hands and feet - and work like hell." Merrill persuades Lynch to join him and, on 19 May, they open their office at 7 Wall Street.

1919
Merrill, Lynch & Co. hires Annie Grimes as its operations manager, launching the career of Wall Street's first bond saleswoman.

1938
The year when the name Merrill, Lynch & Co was changed to the new and modern name, Merrill Lynch

1952
Merrill Lynch & Co, Inc. opens its first European representative office in Geneva

1956
Merrill Lynch is selected as one of seven managers to bring Ford Motor Company public. The $600 million offering sets a record that lasts for nine years and gives the firm its first billion-dollar underwriting year.

1960
Continuing the trend of global expansion that began in the 1950's, Merrill Lynch opens its first office in London.

1971
After years of planning, Merrill Lynch goes public, the second Big Board member to do so, but the first to have its shares listed on the exchange and by doing so they proved it was "Bullish on America" by going public.

1984
Merrill Lynch acquires American Fletcher Bank; changes name to Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. joins the Swiss Bankers Association and Association of Foreign Banks in Switzerland.

1987
Merrill Lynch Capital Markets AG is founded in Zurich and registered as a Swiss bank in 1993.

1995
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. acquires Smith New Court PLC, a U.K. -based global securities firm.

1996
Merrill Lynch moves its AAA-rated SWAP products to Zurich under the aegis of Merrill Lynch Derivative Products. In 2000, the firm introduced Exchange Traded Funds.

2003
Merrill Lynch broadens its product offering for Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. clients, providing expanded access to top-tier investment managers from around the world.

2004
Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. opens representative offices in Singapore and Montevideo

2005
Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. and Merrill Lynch International Incorporated, Zurich branch, integrate their activities.

2006
Opening of Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. Dubai branch. A representative office also opens in Panama.