IN THE NEWS
‘There’s the state of Israel, then there’s the state of Tel Aviv’: The industry chasing the big millionaires
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YNET I 26.09.2026
In an in-depth feature published by Ynet Economy, Karen Schwok — Founder & CEO of Lucid Investments — was interviewed about the evolving wealth landscape in Israel, the growing shift of high-net-worth families toward private investment structures, and the rising demand for independent, transparent wealth-management services. Karen discussed the widening gap between Israel’s major wealth hubs and the financial reality of most households, the challenges of navigating volatile markets, and the need for sophisticated, conflict-free advisory for affluent families and entrepreneurs.
Karen Schwok’s Perspective on Investment Management in an Era of Market Highs and Elevated Valuations
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Globes I 16.09.2026
In an interview with Globes, Karen Schwok — Founder and CEO of Lucid Investments and former Head of Investments at Pictet Family Office Israel — discussed the implications of today’s high market valuations, including the extended rally in the S&P 500 and the effects of AI-driven growth. Karen highlighted the behavioral and psychological aspects influencing investors at market peaks, as well as the importance of global diversification across sectors and geographies to mitigate risk. She emphasized the need for a renewed balance between opportunity and caution, noting that “clients must maintain an appropriate risk level in order to preserve long-term peace of mind.”
Karen Schwok’s Perspective on Investment Management in an Era of Market Highs and Elevated Valuations
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Calcalist Capital summit I 08.09.2026
Karen Schwok, Founder and CEO of Lucid Investments, participated as a speaker at Calcalist’s Capital Summit — one of Israel’s most significant investment events. As part of the panel “Wealth Management in a New Era,” Karen discussed the changing needs of global investors, the importance of proper portfolio construction, and the growing role of multi-family offices in addressing complex wealth-management and cross-border challenges. The panel also featured senior industry leaders, including Oren Ben Yishai (CEO, Israel HSBC), Yair Shani (CEO, Sigma Funds), Oren Reinisch (Partner, Excaliber), Gil Cohen (CEO, The Service — Wealth Management), and Moran Siton (CEO, 4 Seasons).
Calcalist podcast
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Calcalist I 05.08.2026
Interview of Karen Schwok by Dan Kachanovsky, Scala-IL last week on the podcast “רכבת ההשקעות” to talk about how high‑net‑worth families can preserve and grow their financial legacy amid market turbulence.We discussed practical strategies for navigating today’s ever‑changing global environment — from smart asset allocation to multi‑generational wealth transfer — and the evolving role of wealth managers and family officers in such dynamic times.
Is the Fed Ready to Reduce Interest Rates?
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TV10 Israel I 30.07.2025
Karen Schwok participated in a panel discussion on Channel 10 together with Yaron Fridman, Head of Research at Bank Hapoalim, and Dr. Eli El Al, CEO of Fair Value Ltd.
The conversation focused on recent developments in the capital markets and the potential impact of the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, as well as its broader implications for global trade and investor behavior.
Global Trade Dynamics
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TV10 Israel I 09.04.2025
Karen Schwok had the pleasure of participating in a panel discussion on Channel 10 alongside Rami Dror and Moshe Maimon.
We explored recent developments in the capital markets and discussed the broader implications of the new tariff agreement between the U.S. and China — a deal that could shift global trade dynamics and investor sentiment in the coming months.
Tariffs & Global Economy | Interview with Sami Peretz
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Galei Tzahal I 06.04.2025
Karen Schwok joined journalist Sami Peretz on Galei Tzahal to discuss the new U.S. tariff measures and their potential impact on the global economy.
Karen analyzed how the scope and speed of the tariffs caught markets by surprise, leaving limited time for supply-chain adjustments. While there may be strategic considerations behind the decision, many economists question its effectiveness — increasing uncertainty for investors and global companies. The conversation also touched on the growing risk of stagflation: slower economic activity combined with rising prices. Since consumer spending represents nearly 70% of U.S. GDP, any decline in household confidence could significantly weigh on growth.
Globes 40 Under 40 Award - Judges panel
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Globes I 31.03.2025
Globes has announced the winners of its 2025 Israel Leadership Project – 40-Under-40, marking 20 consecutive years in which the project identifies and showcases the country’s most promising young leaders across business, technology, finance, public service, and culture.
Karen Schwok, Founder & CEO of Lucid Investments, served on the expert judging panel for Finance & Economy, alongside Eyal Ben Simon CEO, Phoenix Insurance, Amir Eyal – Chairman, Infinity Group, Gal Bar Dea, Former CEO, One Zero Bank, Dr. Hedva Ber – Deputy CEO, eToro; former Supervisor of Banks in Israel
The Gold Rush
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TV10 Israel I 11.03.2025
Gold has emerged as one of the top-performing assets in the last 12 months, showing growth of over 45%. Karen Schwok had the pleasure to discuss with Lee Sover on the Economy Channel (tv10israel). about the key drivers behind the surge in gold prices. Here are the main factors we explored:
- The increasing fiscal debt and geopolitical uncertainties are prompting investors to turn to safe-haven assets like gold.
- Central banks are strategically diversifying their USD reserves by incorporating more gold.
- Concerns over tariffs and inflation are pushing investors towards the stability offered by gold.
Why Israeli Investors are interested in Swiss banks?
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Market-IL EFG Bank Podcast | 10.03.2025
Karen Schwok recently joined Market Makers – IL, a new financial podcast hosted by Joseph Wolf and Michael Dadoun (EFG Bank), to discuss the key challenges Israeli investors face in wealth management and wealth transmission.
The conversation explored why Swiss private banks have shown such strong interest in the Israeli market, how the landscape has evolved over the years, and what affluent families should consider when building long-term, globally diversified portfolios.
Gold Market Outlook | Interview with Sami Peretz
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Galei Tzahal I 23.02.2025
In this segment from the “Economic Hour,” Karen Schwok, Founder & CEO of Lucid Investments, explains the forces behind the recent gold rally — a 12% rise over the past 3–4 months and nearly 45% over the past year — and the implications for global investors. Karen addressed the main drivers pushing gold higher:
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Heightened geopolitical tensions and a weaker U.S. dollar
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Expectations of interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve
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Strong demand from major central banks worldwide
Karen also discussed the link between U.S. inflation dynamics, Federal Reserve policy, and the broader impact on financial markets — including sentiment shifts, investor positioning, and sector performance.
Global Market Analysis
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TV10 Israel I 05.01.2025
Karen Schwok, CEO of Lucid Investments Family Office, joined TV10 to discuss the key forces shaping global markets — from U.S. policy shifts to rising volatility across Europe.
Hosted by Inbal Omer with Vered Itzhaki, the conversation highlighted:
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Macro trends influencing markets
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Geopolitical and European instability
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Investor sentiment and risk management
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How HNW investors should navigate uncertainty
Top Voice LinkedIn
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LinkedIn award | April 2024
Grateful and humbled to be recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Voice in the Finance community (Fundraising). Thank you for this acknowledgment — and for the exceptional insights shared by our remarkable community.
Let’s continue to learn from one another, elevate the conversation, and empower the next generation of leaders.
Economic and financial impacts of the judicial reform in Israel
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i24News| 15.07.2023
Karen Schwok, Founder and CEO at Lucid Investments had the opportunity to share her thoughts on the economic impact of the current political developments at i24news (French edition).
In the aftermath of the current political upheaval, many Israeli entrepreneurs are contemplating setting up entities abroad to mitigate the risks associated with exposing investors to a judicial system lacking oversight and protection. The consequences of this situation pose a clear and present danger to the Israeli economy.
New year resolutions: tips from Family Offices
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TheMarker | 05.09.2022
As Covid-19 will most probably still be part of our lives in the next few months and stocks continue to break records, interest rates are still low, and inflation is starting to increase - what should investors do with their funds? ■ We turned to some experts, financial planners at Family Office companies, who manage the investments and savings of wealthy families in Israel, and asked them how it is worthwhile for an ordinary Israeli family to plan their economic future ■ They have seven tips for you
Israel Bar Association – Wealth Planning Conference
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The Israel Bar Association| 08.05.2022
Karen Schwok, Founder and CEO of Lucid Investments, had the pleasure of speaking at the annual Wealth Planning Conference organized by the Israel Bar Association.
Karen reviewed key trends shaping the global Wealth Management industry and discussed their implications for long-term wealth planning and intergenerational decision-making.
The Global Economy will continue to grow on a fast track in 2022
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Globes | 04.01.2022
2022 will be a complex year for investors: markets will continue to cope with inflation, and new variants of coronavirus, loads in the supply chain and uncertainty will continue to be high. But we are optimistic about the continued strengthening of the global economy with the likelihood of moderation of growth towards the end of 2022. Our premise is that decision makers, whether it's finance ministers, governments or central banks, will continue to do everything possible to keep the world from entering recession and an economic-financial crisis. View full article (HE)
The Israeli finance management sector is not ready for all the new rich techies
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CTech | 10.06.2021
As funding rounds and SPACs created thousands of newly affluent professionals across Israel, Karen Schwok raised concerns about the industry’s ability to meet their evolving needs.
Over the previous 12 months, not only had many companies raised substantial capital or gone public at high valuations — generating significant wealth for founders — but an additional layer of executives also became wealthy at unprecedented speed.
Vaccines vs. variants: the race to immunize the developing world
Calcalist | 26.02.2021
Developing world struggles to get its shares of Covid vaccines - investors should take into account this could impact the global economic recovery.
View full article (HE)
The results of the US elections will create more visibility for investors. The vaccines are about to be administered. The markets will most certainly continue to perform well
Globes | 20.12.2020
Interview of Karen Schwok (קארן שווק) by Guy Ben Simon.
Karen shared her insights on the current various risks and opportunities that have strong influences on investors and capital markets.
A "new" tech revolution is coming and the winds of change will hit the U.S. first
CTech | 02.12.2020
In the next few weeks, investors need to position their asset allocation differently in light of what we call “the transition phase” – roughly defining the time period between the elections and the de facto taking of power. Not because Biden is bringing with him the “winds of change” to the markets but because he is carried on the windblown that’s already here. We obviously still have to wait and see whether or not the Democrats will gain the majority of the Senate but the technological trends we’ve been witnessing over the last few months will strengthen regardless. The ‘new’ tech revolution is yet to come for more traditional sectors in the US first and foremost.
View full article (EN)
"Biden tax plan won't have an effect before 2022"
Globes | 18.10.2020
Interview of Karen Schwok (קארן שווק) in Globes regarding the various sectors that shall be the most impacted by the results of the US elections
Book building is becoming the most common practice in Israel
Calcalist | 13.10.2020
the Book building practice is intensifying among companies that are willing to get listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange via IPO
View full interview (HE)
6 common mistakes investors are doing
Globes | 16.4.2020
Covid-19: The strong volatility in the markets we've been experiencing over the last few weeks is encouraging investors to increase their exposure to equities. This article reflects our current outlook and insights on how to navigate during these turbulent markets.
Black Monday & Corona Virus impact on financial markets
i24News | 09.03.2020
Interview of Karen Schwok by Jean-Charles Banoun.
Karen shared her insights on how the financial markets and the global economy could be significantly impacted by the rapid expansion of the corona virus.
World Economic Forum
Annual Meeting at Davos | 22.01.2020
Karen Schwok participated to the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
View her insights from these fascinating few days in Davos
Prepare yourself for the end of this fiscal year
Calcalist | 19.12.2019
As we are approaching the year end, investors who have accumulated this year significant capital gains shall capitalize on the current capital markets fluctuations to reduce their taxable gains.
Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO)
Innovation Journey | 18.09.2019
Excited to participate to the Investment Panel organized during the YPO Innovation Journey in Tel-Aviv, sharing our views on the Israeli ecosystem and focusing on the type of errors entrepreneurs are often doing when managing their funds.
Many thanks to Nirit Harel for the invitation, as well as Pearl Cohen & OurCrowd for hosting and sponsoring the event .
The Marker – 40 Under 40 award
The Marker | 02.09.2019
Karen Schwok was awarded by the prestigious The Marker magazine as one of the promising managers of Israel.
Wealth Management – global trends & implications on the Israeli market
Tel Aviv University | 05.06.2019
Karen Schwok was honored to lecture at the end-year event of the Capital Market Club of Tel Aviv University.
We would like to thank Prof Dan Amiram, Vice Dean and professor at Coller School of Management as well as Yuval Halevy, Head of the Capital Market Club for the invitation.
Also, many thanks to BDO for sponsoring the event.
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Common mistakes Entrepreneurs are doing when managing their funds
Volcano Innovation Summit | 06.05.2019
Excited to participate as guest-speaker at this incredible event organized by Yossi Vardi, one of Israel’s early and most successful entrepreneurs.
Gathering more than 2’000 entrepreneurs, this global initiative, which acts as a platform to exchange future visions and experiences, was driven by the mission to incorporate Latin America to the global network of innovation, science and culture by connecting business, entrepreneurs, creative leaders and investors for crossover conversation and inspiration.
Corporate America goes on debt diet
Calcalist | 05.03.2019
US companies are finally listening to stock and bond investors that have been pressing Corps to cut their debt loads.
ECB: Time to say goodbye to easy money?
Bizportal | 10.06.2018
In March, the European Central Bank dropped a long-standing pledge to increase its bond buying if needed, taking another small step in weaning the euro zone economy off protracted quantitative easing (QE).
Just how much recent economic and international developments are impacting the ECB’s plans to unwind QE could well make for a lively debate. Nevertheless, there are some of the key questions for markets investors are interested in. Monetary Policy
U.S. Companies Take Advantage of Corporate Tax Cuts
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Calcalist | 05.03.2019
Following major U.S. corporate tax reductions, many companies used improved profitability to lower debt and strengthen their balance sheets — boosting investor confidence.
Recent S&P 500 earnings show that much of the momentum comes from higher efficiency and cost optimization, though sustaining this trend without central-bank support may prove challenging.
2nd LATAM LP Conference – Panel Discussion ColCapital
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Bogota, Colombia | 2018
Karen Schwok, Founder & CEO of Lucid Investments, was invited as a panelist at the 2nd LATAM LP Conference, one of Latin America’s leading events for institutional investors and private-capital professionals.
Karen spoke about global wealth management trends, cross-border investment flows, and the evolving role of independent advisory firms.
Israel: Popular Yet Complex Destination
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Family Office Magazine | Autumn Edition 2017
According to a 2016 study by international consultancy New World Wealth, Israel has a particularly notable proportion of millionaire immigrants. Their global survey ranked Israel as the fourth most popular destination for migrating millionaires in 2015, following Australia, the United States, and Canada. The data shows that approximately 4,000 high-net-worth individuals relocated to Israel in 2015 alone. Given that roughly 37,000 immigrants and returning residents moved to the country that year, this means one in nine newcomers fell into the millionaire category. Read full article
Karen Schwok Featured in the Tel Aviv University Alumni Organization gala event
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Tel Aviv Alumni Organization | 12.06.2017
Karen Schwok — Founder & CEO of Lucid Investments and former CEO of Pictet Wealth Management Israel — was featured in the official Tel Aviv University Alumni Organization community film as a member of the Advisory board of the organization.
The video celebrates the global impact of TAU’s 200,000+ alumni across business, entrepreneurship, science, public leadership, and the arts.
Karen appears alongside senior executives and innovators from Waze, Mobileye, Keter, NICE, Microsoft, Team8, Israel Railways, Mastercard, and other leading organizations, highlighting the broad influence of TAU graduates in Israel and worldwide.
Karen Schwok, Marius Nacht’s Private Banker, Leaves Pictet to Found a Multi-Family Office
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TheMarker | 21.08.2017
Karen Schwok concluded her role as CEO of Pictet Wealth Management Israel after more than six years, during which she led the bank’s operations for high-net-worth families and entrepreneurs.
Following her tenure, she founded Lucid Investments, an independent wealth-advisory firm focused on transparent, conflict-free investment management and global family-office services tailored to the needs of affluent clients.
Ex-Pictet CEO Karen Schwok Launches Lucid Investments, a New Wealth-Management Firm in Israel
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Private Banker International | 01.09.2017
Karen Schwok — formerly CEO of Pictet Wealth Management Israel — founded Lucid Investments, an independent multi-family office dedicated to serving high-net-worth families and entrepreneurs.
The firm was built to provide transparent, conflict-free international investment advisory, drawing on Karen’s decade of leadership experience at Pictet Wealth Management and her deep expertise in global wealth management.
Brexit impact of the Financial Industry
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Calcalist | 28.06.2016
Karen Schwok, then CEO at Pictet Israel. was interviewed by Eli Sharoni and discussed the possible impact the Brexit might have on the banking industry. Read full article (HE)
The Woman Managing the Wealth of Millionaires, Heirs and Tech Entrepreneurs
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TheMarker | 04.05.2016
Karen Schwok — then CEO of Pictet Wealth Management Israel — was profiled by TheMarker for her leadership in the rapidly growing world of high-net-worth and tech-industry clients.
The article highlighted her unique expertise in international wealth management, her work with global families and entrepreneurs, and her role in positioning Pictet among the leading wealth-management institutions operating in Israel.
Globes – Interview on Global Private Banking Trends
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Globes | 04.07.2013
In this article, Globes interviewed Karen Schwok in her former role as the Head of Pictet Wealth Management Israel, where she discussed trends in global private banking, cross-border wealth management, and the growing interest of international investors in Israel.