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 21.10.2024

Swiss sanctions against Russia – Further implementation of the EU 14th Sanctions Package

Swiss sanctions against Russia – Further implementation of the EU 14th…

In a continued effort to align with European Union ("EU") sanctions, on 16 October 2024, the Swiss Federal Council implemented most of the outstanding measures from the EU 14th sanctions package, with certain adjustments reflecting Switzerland's own legal and economic considerations. Notably, Switzerland chose not to implement EU equivalent measures related to foreign subsidiaries of Swiss companies, a key point of divergence from the EU framework. The new restrictions, which primarily focus on export controls, financial services and maritime regulations came into force on 17 October 2024.

Insights 26.08.2024

Swiss sanctions against Russia – Partial implementation of the EU 14th Sanctions Package

Swiss sanctions against Russia – Partial implementation of the EU 14th…

On 21 August 2024, the Swiss Federal Council adopted a new set of sanctions against Russia, further aligning the Swiss sanctions with the European Union's 14th sanctions package. The newly adopted restrictions focus on several key areas, including a ban on Russian diamonds, extended deadlines for divestment transactions approval, and stricter financial and export controls. They are set to enter into force on 27 August 2024. Earlier this summer, SECO updated its "frequently asked questions" (FAQ) document to include clarifications on the definitions of ownership and control, as well as to address "ring-fencing" or "firewall" measures mitigating the effects of control, particularly concerning Swiss entities.

SEE ALL