Sebastian Leyser

Idar-Oberstein · Gstaad | Fine Coloured Gemstones & Bespoke Jewelry | From Mines to Masterpieces

Basel, Basel, Switzerland

About

I bring 25+ years of experience across private banking and the luxury industry, having held key roles as an international sales trader and marketing manager in Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. My expertise spans derivatives and structured products across multiple asset classes, with a focus on delivering tailored investment solutions to private banks, independent asset managers, and (U)HNWIs. In parallel, I’ve had the privilege of helping grow our family’s fine gemstone and jewelry business—now in its 13th generation. At #LEYSERbespoke, I focus on brand strategy, international business development, and cultivating high-touch client relationships. Rooted in the gemstone traditions of Idar-Oberstein, we continue to shape timeless craftsmanship for a global clientele. My background bridges finance, marketing, and luxury with fluency—delivering value where precision, trust, and emotion matter most. #FromMinesToMasterpieces | #LEYSERbespoke

Experience

  • Co-Founder & Managing Director at Leyser Ltd
    Sep 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 10 mos

    Crafting fine gemstone jewelry rooted in our 17th-century Idar-Oberstein heritage, we blend artisanal mastery with modern luxury. With showrooms in London, Gstaad, and on Lake Como—and a legacy of mining in Brazil and Tanzania—we bring timeless craftsmanship, creativity, and savoir-faire to life through our bespoke collections.

  • Ski Snowboard Instructor at Swiss Ski School
    Dec 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Deliver ski instruction in accordance with Swiss Snowsports™ methodology, teaching and entertaining a diverse clientele of VIP guests.

  • Senior Sales Director at CAT Financial Products AG
    May 2019 - Aug 2022 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    Provided tailor-made investment advice to private banks, independent asset managers, and (U)HNWIs. Involved in all aspects of designing and implementing bespoke structured investments and hedging solutions across asset classes.

  • Head of Structured Products | Founder & Managing Partner at KNG Securities LLP | Golders Hill Capital Partners Ltd
    Sep 2014 - Sep 2017 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Founded an independent capital raising agency for alternative investments, later integrated into KNG. Responsible for sourcing and conducting due diligence on various fund and direct co-investment opportunities, as well as brokering a broad suite of fixed income products.

  • Senior Sales & Fundraising Director at Chenavari Investment Managers
    Jan 2011 - Jul 2014 · 3 yrs 7 mos

    Acted as broker-dealer for CLOs, bankruptcy claims, and other distressed assets. Supported capital raising initiatives and contributed to the growth of Chenavari’s assets under management. The business was later acquired by a merchant banking boutique backed by prominent German business leaders.