Global Financial Services Regulators: Europe, Introductory Chapter: Switzerland

Published: 10 October 2005

Rapid growth in financial services regulation in many countries has led to demand for high quality data about agencies and institutions involved in national and international regulatory systems and explanation of the legal context in which they operate. This major new publication provides detailed, consistently presented information for nearly 800 institutions. It covers organizations with regulatory responsibilities, whether primary or secondary, for the banking and financial services industry on both national and international levels. Invaluable data provided for each institution include: scope of regulation; legal basis; financing; key personnel and organizational structure; history; current regulatory developments; regulatory objectives; activities and implementation; measures to ensure compliance; accountability; complaints and redress; relationships with other regulatory bodies; and, principal publications. The information provided for each regulatory body has been reviewed by a leading law firm in each jurisdiction. This data is complemented by a comprehensive explanation of the financial services regulatory framework in each country, provided by the same law firm.

These overviews include: description of the nature of the regulatory regime; recent regulatory developments; analysis of the regulatory bodies, their policies, operational activity and relationships; scope of regulatory responsibilities, their application and legal basis; explanation of the international context; and, future developments expected.

Insights

Insights 01.07.2026

Swiss sanctions and crypto assets services: When can providers refuse instructions?

Swiss sanctions and crypto assets services: When can providers refuse…

<p>In two decisions of 28 April 2026 (4A_535/2025 and 4A_537/2025), the Swiss Federal Supreme Court addressed the application of Switzerland's sanctions asset freeze regime to crypto assets held with a Swiss provider of crypto asset brokerage and custody services. The Court confirmed that, where concrete indications give rise to the suspicion that crypto assets may be owned or directly or indirectly controlled by a sanctioned person, the service provider may validly refuse to execute client instructions to release or transfer those assets.</p> <p>The decisions clarify the interaction between the service provider’s public-law obligations under the Swiss sanctions framework and its contractual duties towards the client. They also raise practical questions specific to the custody of digital assets, in particular where access to the assets depends on wallets, private keys or custody infrastructure.</p>

Insights 22.06.2026

From guidance to action: FINMA's tightening stance on asset management practices

From guidance to action: FINMA's tightening stance on asset management…

<p class="MsoBodyText">FINMA's Supervisory Communication 03/2026, read alongside its recent enforcement proceedings against an external asset manager (EAM), underscores the supervisory focus on the widespread use of in-house products, multi-layered remuneration structures and suitability and disclosure practices.</p>

SEE ALL