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Wealthy individuals often receive poor or inadequate service although some firms give outstanding advice, according to a survey by Fuchsbriefe, a joint venture partner in The Private Banking Prufinstanz.

The report, titled TOPs International: Best Banks for International Wealth Management and produced in association with Wealthmonitor, has assessed 14 Swiss private banks rating the quality in their service operations, and revealed "fundamental" shortcomings among many of their peers.

Posing as representatives and relatives of a multi-millionaire Uzbekistan construction materials tycoon, agents at Private Banking Prufinstanz contacted Zurich-based banks asking for investment advice. Specifically, they asked for a preliminary consult to discuss how to invest $14 million and buy properties in London for the business man’s three children.

According to the survey, world’s biggest private bank UBS bank resulted "impersonal and indifferent", and offering a distinctly off-the-peg service, despite its promise of being bespoke, the report said. UBS and LGT Bank, were ranked at no. 13 and no.14 respectively, with UBS said to be treating their customers "like a number" and not taking notes during the meeting.

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To cite others: Coutts (no.10) lacked of empathy misspelling the client’s e-mail details. Rothschild Bank (no.8) didn’t call back prospective clients after promising to do so, and Mirabaud (no.12) made a gaffe about their nationality.

London-based Schroeders scored highest in the report’s evaluation, and was considered "excellent". It was praised for the attention to detail, making the client feel "very special", the report concluded.

Pictet & Cie, Barclays Bank and Liechtensteinische Landesbank are also among the best rated.