J. Safra Sarasin Takes Full Control of Saxo Bank with Purchase of Kim Fournais' Remaining Stake

Monday, 06/07/2026 | 16:08 GMT by Tareq Sikder
  • After buying over 70% last year, J. Safra Sarasin acquired 28.7% more to take full control.
  • Saxo Bank will continue operating separately, while Kim Fournais will remain chairman of its board.
From left CEO, Daniel Belfer and Kim Fournais
From left: CEO Daniel Belfer and Kim Fournais

Bank J. Safra Sarasin has agreed to acquire the remaining indirect stake in Saxo Holding AG held by Saxo Bank founder Kim Fournais, giving the Swiss banking group full ownership of the online trading and investment platform.

The latest transaction completes a deal that began in March 2025, when J. Safra Sarasin agreed to acquire more than 70% of Saxo Bank from Geely, Mandatum and other shareholders. At the time, Fournais retained the remaining stake and continued to lead the company.

The stake represents approximately 28.69% of Saxo Holding AG. It follows Bank J. Safra Sarasin's exercise of a call option under a shareholders' agreement between the two parties.

Saxo Bank Keeps Independence Under New Ownership

Once the deal closes, Bank J. Safra Sarasin will own 100% of Saxo Holding AG and, indirectly, Saxo Bank. The company said Saxo Bank will continue to operate as a separate entity while benefiting from the financial backing of the J. Safra Sarasin Group to support future growth.

Kim Fournais will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saxo Bank after the transaction. The bank said full ownership strengthens its long-term ownership structure while maintaining continuity for clients, partners, and employees.

Jacob J. Safra, Chairman of the J. Safra Sarasin Group, said Fournais had built "an exceptional business" and that the milestone reflects the group's "long-term perspective." He added that the bank is committed to preserving Saxo Bank's strengths while supporting "its next phase of sustainable growth."

Deal Awaits Regulatory Approval Before Closing

The announcement also said Saxo Bank expects to report its strongest first-half financial performance on record for the six months ended June 30, 2026. The expected results are driven by continued growth in client numbers and assets under management.

Commenting on the transaction, Fournais said the agreement is "fully aligned with the vision agreed with J. Safra Sarasin" and represents "the next natural step in Saxo's evolution." He added that he looks forward to continuing to support the company's strategic direction as chairman.

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals. The financial terms were not disclosed.

Bank J. Safra Sarasin has agreed to acquire the remaining indirect stake in Saxo Holding AG held by Saxo Bank founder Kim Fournais, giving the Swiss banking group full ownership of the online trading and investment platform.

The latest transaction completes a deal that began in March 2025, when J. Safra Sarasin agreed to acquire more than 70% of Saxo Bank from Geely, Mandatum and other shareholders. At the time, Fournais retained the remaining stake and continued to lead the company.

The stake represents approximately 28.69% of Saxo Holding AG. It follows Bank J. Safra Sarasin's exercise of a call option under a shareholders' agreement between the two parties.

Saxo Bank Keeps Independence Under New Ownership

Once the deal closes, Bank J. Safra Sarasin will own 100% of Saxo Holding AG and, indirectly, Saxo Bank. The company said Saxo Bank will continue to operate as a separate entity while benefiting from the financial backing of the J. Safra Sarasin Group to support future growth.

Kim Fournais will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saxo Bank after the transaction. The bank said full ownership strengthens its long-term ownership structure while maintaining continuity for clients, partners, and employees.

Jacob J. Safra, Chairman of the J. Safra Sarasin Group, said Fournais had built "an exceptional business" and that the milestone reflects the group's "long-term perspective." He added that the bank is committed to preserving Saxo Bank's strengths while supporting "its next phase of sustainable growth."

Deal Awaits Regulatory Approval Before Closing

The announcement also said Saxo Bank expects to report its strongest first-half financial performance on record for the six months ended June 30, 2026. The expected results are driven by continued growth in client numbers and assets under management.

Commenting on the transaction, Fournais said the agreement is "fully aligned with the vision agreed with J. Safra Sarasin" and represents "the next natural step in Saxo's evolution." He added that he looks forward to continuing to support the company's strategic direction as chairman.

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals. The financial terms were not disclosed.

About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq Sikder
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About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq is a financial writer with 15 years of experience covering global markets. His work spans technical analysis, forex broker reviews, and market sentiment, with a focus on topics relevant to retail traders. He joined Finance Magnates in 2023. At Finance Magnates, he serves as News Editor, covering retail forex and CFD brokers, cryptocurrency exchanges, fintech firms, and regulatory developments shaping the trading industry. He holds an Honours degree in Information Technology from Anfell College, London. Education: Honours degree Information Technology, Anfell College, London
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