About us

For more than 15 years, we have been developing systematic, rules-based investment strategies

and combine modern technology with personal, individual advice.

 

 

Our Mission

Our earlier academic research at ETH in quantum physics and pharmaceutical chemistry has repeatedly shown us that clear, robust — and essentially simple — approaches often solve even highly complex problems most reliably. Building on this conviction, we consistently apply a rules-based, empirically grounded approach to our investment process. In the midst of the dynamics and unpredictability of financial markets, these clear principles provide orientation — enabling us to act with discipline and composure, even in challenging market phases.

 

 

Team

We bring together decades of experience in asset management and cutting-edge analytical methods.

 

 

 

Dr. Ryan Held (Partner/Founder)

Physik ETH Zürich, PhD ETH Zürich / MBA ESADE Barcelona

After completing his studies and doctorate in nanophysics at ETH Zurich, Ryan Held worked as a postdoctoral researcher in quantum computing at Yale University. He then moved into the financial industry and, prior to founding Dufour Capital, worked among other roles as a Senior Quant at RMF/Man Investments.

 

 

 

Sascha Freimüller (Partner/Founder)

GMP, Harvard Business School / BSc Chemistry, UAS Zurich 

Prior to founding Dufour Capital, Sascha Freimüller worked for several years at RMF and Man Group as a Senior Risk Manager. He started his career in scientific consulting for pharma and biotech companies at ETH Zurich and in risk modeling at SwissRe.

 

 

 

Marc Weber (Board)

CEO, VZ Depotbank AG

Marc Weber is CEO of VZ Depotbank AG and a member of the Executive Board of the VZ Group.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Richard C. Müller (Board)

Dr. iur. HSG / M.Sc. in Finance (LBS)

Richard Müller has extensive experience in asset management in the areas of operations, legal & compliance and business development. He provides us with comprehensive support in legal and regulatory matters.

 

 

 

Paul Kimball (Advisory)

MBA, Chicago Booth, Chicago, USA

Paul Kimball is an experienced financial markets expert and was responsible for building and leading the global FX business as a member of the Executive Committee of Morgan Stanley. Among other things, he was Chairman of the Foreign Exchange Committee of the Federal Reserve (FED) and led the business management of an international global macro hedge fund.

 

 

Our History

From its inception to the present day - important milestones in the development of Dufour Capital.

 

 

2011 - 2015

Foundation & Start-up Phase

We started with a blank sheet of paper — an empty office and no clients. In return, we had the freedom to develop our systematic concepts and IT infrastructure for asset management entirely from scratch.

2016 - 2020

Partnership with VZ

Strategic partnership with VZ, including intensive joint research and development of rules-based strategies, as well as the publication of textbooks.

2021 - 2025

Institutional and retail clients

Expansion to further institutional partnerships, such as Basler Kantonalbank, family offices, and other asset managers. In parallel, private clients were given access to our institutional solutions — supported by a strong emphasis on personal advice.

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