- quote -

Every year Barron's does a survey of private bankers, which features a
table listing contact information and minimum account size. If I recall
correctly, the latest edition of this survey appeared in the last few
months. If you have access to one of the online archives like Nexis the
Barron's survey shouldn't be too difficult to find. In addition to private
bankers, there are also consultants out there who will help you deal with
your private banker and provide unbiased advice (for a fee of course). The
current issue of Barron's has a feature on those people.

At the risk of offending the original poster (and I sincerely do not wish
to do so) it should be emphasized that private bankers typically ignore
people who are not "high net worth." While the definition of "high net
worth" varies, I seem to recall from the Barron's survey that most private
bankers won't talk to you unless you have at least $1 million in liquid,
investable assets. The consultants described in the latest issue typically
require their clients to have at least $100 million in assets, and their
fees are in the six figures.

Again, I have no idea who the original poster was. But unless his
portfolio is at least seven figures, it's not surprising the private
bankers he cold called were underwhelmed. If his portfolio *is* seven
figures, he should look up the Barron's article.

Jiffer wrote:
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Yes, you would do better to actually go to the bank in person to set up
your accounts. Banks are cautious about people trying to set up accounts
by "remote control" because of the anti-money-laundering laws.

John Cowart

Can anyone recommend a reputable bank that offers good private banking
facilities, investments, wealth management, tax, estate and retirement
planning etc. I have tried contacting Credit Suisse First Boston,
Schroders, Kleinwort benson, and J P Morgan and others via contact forms
on their web sites but nobody has answered. I have also tried phoning
them, and can you get help? Am I going about this in the wrong way, or is
this normal? In my view, the first point of contact sells the company. No
second cracks.