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Switzerland Banking License

Switzerland Banking License: FINMA Authorisation Under the Banking Act (Bankengesetz)

FINMA (Eidgenossische Finanzmarktaufsicht), the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, is responsible for banking authorisation and prudential supervision under the Banking Act (Bankengesetz) of 1934. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union but maintains extensive bilateral agreements with the EU that provide Swiss banks substantial market access. Swiss banking is recognised globally for its stability, precision in regulation, strong confidentiality laws, and exceptionally high standards of client protection.

In 2019 Switzerland introduced a dedicated FinTech Banking Licence under the Financial Institutions Act (FinIG) as a lower-barrier entry point for technology-driven financial services companies that accept public funds but do not invest them or pay interest on deposits.

Full Banking Licence (Banklizenz)

Authorises deposit-taking from the public and the full range of banking activities. Minimum paid-up capital of CHF 10 million, at least half of which must be fully paid on authorisation.

FinTech Banking Licence

Permits acceptance of public funds up to CHF 100 million where these are not invested and no interest is paid. Minimum capital of CHF 300,000. Suitable for payment platforms and digital asset custodians.

Swiss-Based Management

At least two executive managers (Direktionsmitglieder) must be domiciled in Switzerland. FINMA assesses fit and proper criteria for all qualified shareholders holding 10% or more, directors, and senior managers.

Physical Presence

A physical office in Switzerland with a locally resident management team is required. FINMA does not grant authorisation for institutions with only a nominal Swiss presence.

AML/CFT Programme

An AMLA-compliant AML/CFT programme is required, supervised by the Anti-Money Laundering Supervisory Organisation (SRO) or FINMA directly depending on the type of institution.

Corporate Tax

Switzerland's corporate income tax rate ranges from approximately 12% to 21% depending on the canton. Zurich and Zug are widely used locations for banking licence holders due to infrastructure and competitive cantonal tax rates.

Neptune Fiduciaries: Swiss Banking Licence Support

Neptune Fiduciaries advises on Swiss banking licence applications including FINMA pre-engagement, business plan and organisational structure documentation, AML/CFT programme design, and director fit and proper preparation for both full banking and FinTech licence categories.

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Contact Neptune Fiduciaries at info@neptunecorporate.com or sales@neptunecorporate.com or visit our Contact Us page.

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