Banks in Switzerland are synonymous with security and anonymity, which dates back to the middle ages. The primary reasons for this reputation are the codified laws and regulatory requirements for Switzerland banking institutions. Therefore, if you or your company wish to open an account with a Switzerland bank, it's imperative to understand these rules and regulations. The Federal Banking Commission, an independent agency, governs most all of the banking activity in Switzerland. To settle any regulatory disputes the Swiss banking system employs an independent mediator known as the Swiss banking Ombudsman.

Several avenues can help you navigate the Switzerland commercial banking system. The basic online tutorials allow you to understand the history and the structure of the Swiss banking system. Swiss banks themselves are another great source for regulatory information because they're the ones operating under the regulatory framework. Finally, there are the banking associations and their support systems that actually make the laws that monitor the system. However, before you begin there are few items to consider, such as:

1. Review the online summaries about banking in Switzerland.

2. Examine the agencies for business banking in Switzerland.

3. Contact the associations that help govern the Switzerland banks.

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Study the corporate banking in Switzerland FAQs and tutorials

The banking laws in Switzerland are some of the most liberal in the world. However, in recent years they've begun to tighten them and not be the secretive safe haven they once were. Even with this tightening, Switzerland law still allows companies to establish a Swiss bank account within their own corporation or Limited Liability Company.

I recommend: Assess the Swiss banking frequently asked question section available at the Offshore Corporation. Evaluate the history of Switzerland banking institution industry offered at Swiss-Bank-Accounts.com.

Contact the agencies that help implement the regulations for commercial banking in Switzerland

The Swiss banking industry in 2007 formed the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, which helps coordinate all aspects of the financial industry in the country. This supervisory body went into effect on January 1, 2009 and helps supervises insurance companies, banks, stock exchanges and security dealers. In addition, the Swiss National Bank plays a role in the banking system in that they set monetary policy for the Swiss Franc.

I recommend: Evaluate the legislation and ordinance information from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority. Check for monetary policy changes at the Swiss National Bank.

Employ the commercial bank in Switzerland association regulatory resources

Banks in Switzerland laws and regulations come mainly from the banking associations within the country. Although the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority supervises the banking system, the associations are the ones that help implement the rules.

I recommend: Evaluate the tutorial from the Swiss Bankers Association. Speak to a representative from the Swiss Private Bankers Association about regulations specific to private banks within the industry. For any Swiss banking disputes, please talk to the Swiss Banking Ombudsman Foundation.

Banks in Switzerland are renowned for their privacy and security measures. People and businesses from all over the world use Switzerland banking institutions to safeguard their money, assets and investments. There are several different types of Switzerland banks, from private to commercial to state owned and operated. There is a bank in Switzerland that can take care of your banking needs.

One of the biggest benefits of doing you personal or business banking in Switzerland is privacy. In 1934, privacy banking laws were put in place in Switzerland to combat Nazi inquiries into Jewish bank accounts. These strict laws remain in place today. It is hard for any organization or individual to obtain information about Switzerland bank accounts without a court order. Indeed, the banker-customer relationship in Switzerland is similar to that of a doctor and patient or lawyer and client in the United States. Switzerland banking institutions can help individuals and businesses in many areas, including:

1. Wealth management

2. Trust information

3. Investments

4. Venture capital

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Understand the difference between private and commercial banking in Switzerland

Many people use Switzerland banks to safeguard personal assets, such as an inheritance. However, Switzerland commercial banking offers many advantages for businesses. Switzerland commercial banking is similar to offshore accounts, but with added benefits and security. These types of accounts are referred to as Swiss private bank accounts. Most clients who have a private account must have $300,000 in liquid assets or be a business that shows outstanding growth.

I recommend: UBS AG and Credit Suisse are the two largest banks in Switzerland and account for 50% of all banking activity in the country. You don't have to go to Switzerland to open a private account. There are several branches around the world, and customer service representatives can even come to your home.

Know the laws that pertain to Switzerland commercial banking

Most activity in Switzerland is overseen by the Federal Banking Commission, which is part of the Federal Department of Finance. Tax evasion is not considered a felony crime in Switzerland, only a misdemeanor. However, tax fraud (purposefully lying about your taxes) is a criminal offense and subject to punishment.

I recommend: The Swiss Banking Ombudsman is a group started by the Swiss bankers Association offering free services for mediation and assistance with banking in Switzerland.

Know how to open a Switzerland bank account

The good news about opening a Switzerland bank account is that you can do it from the comfort and privacy of your home. Many online companies can help you get started. Contacting many banks in Switzerland directly is also another way to open an account.

I recommend: Both Swiss Bank Accounts and Swiss Bank Services give a good overview of banking in Switzerland and can help you get started.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Banks in Switzerland perform background checks on anyone wishing to open a Swiss bank account.

Banking in Switzerland has long had the reputation for being a safe haven for offshore assets. Swiss banking institutions have some of the strictest secrecy laws and regulations in the industry. However, with these laws comes the added layer of information that you'll need to understand prior to making or moving deposits. New regulations and changes in the industry seem to occur at a whirlwind pace in today’s fast-paced world of international banking. In order to stay ahead of the information curve, it's imperative to know the latest news and trends for Switzerland's banks.

To ascertain current Swiss bank news and trends, you can explore several avenues. These include online financial publications, Swiss banking entities, or international rating agencies. Each of these has its own merits. Whatever resources you choose to use, be sure that each is current and that you have someone on staff who understands the information. However, before you begin the process, there are a few things to consider:

1. Utilize the online Switzerland commercial banking publications to attain the latest news and trends.

2. Review Switzerland banks resources for industry news.

3. Subscribe to the commercial banking in Switzerland international ratings services.

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Employ the business banking in Switzerland resources available online

When you compare Switzerland's banks to banks in other countries, it's imperative that you use the very latest news. First, you'll need to know how Switzerland compares to its competitor countries. Then you'll need to choose which Swiss bank best fits your needs. Should you already have investments in Switzerland's commercial banks, then industry news and trends directly influence the value of these assets.

I recommend: Examine the information on Swiss banking at the EIN News. Evaluate the banking resources at My Offshore Accounts. Sign up for the business banking in Switzerland newsletter from Fierce Finance.

Contact corporate banking in Switzerland associations and publications

Local Swiss banking resources offer the best microeconomic view of the industry. Through these entities, you can obtain the news and trends that these banking resources feel most influence their industry. However, their view might differ from that of a U.S. business on the same information.

I recommend: Assess the latest Switzerland banking institution news available at Swiss Money. Speak to representatives from the Swiss Bankers Association about obtaining news and trends reports. Review the banking publications from the Swiss National Bank.

Sign up to receive the Switzerland bank and currency ratings

Rating agencies can be an excellent source of news and trends, as it's their job to evaluate publicly traded banks and national currencies. By examining the ratings, you can determine the relative strength of a particular bank or system.

I recommend: Contrast the rating services of Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings. You can use both for evaluations or choose just a single agency to track the industry news and trends.

The banks in Switzerland have long had a reputation for secrecy and banking stability. With this secrecy comes a banking structure that is more complicated than most other countries' systems. This complicated structure shouldn't prohibit investors from investing there or businesses from banking there, however, because the banking system in Switzerland helps ensure the safety and privacy of your banking investments.

No matter your interest in Swiss banking, to understand banking in Switzerland you need to know a few key terms. From these terms, you can build a knowledge base that'll help you or your company make effective asset allocation decisions.

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Universal banking model

The banks in Switzerland were one of the first banking systems to institute the universal banking model. The universal banking model incorporates all financial services in one bank. For example, a universal bank in Switzerland offers investment services, as well as traditional savings and loan services.

I recommend: Review the definition of a universal banking model available at Investopedia for more information.

UBS AG bank

The UBS AG bank is one of the largest banks in Switzerland. They are also a truly international bank with branches in 50 countries and most major world financial centers.

I recommend: Examine the scope and mission of the UBS AG bank at their website for further details.

Credit Suisse Group

The Credit Suisse Group, established in 1856, is one of the oldest banks in the region. It actively operates in 50 countries with access to account in over 100 countries.

I recommend: Study the priorities and targets of the Credit Suisse Group for further details on the institution.

Cantonal banks

Cantonal banks are banks partially owned and guaranteed by the Swiss government. Cantons are regional divided territories in Switzerland comparable to states in America.

I recommend: Scroll down the page available at SwissBanking for more information on cantonal banks.

Swiss Federal Banking Commission

The Swiss Federal Banking Commission is the primary regulatory agency that governs the financial markets in Switzerland. The commission's first responsibility is to the consumer. Therefore, if you have any problems with Swiss banks, this is the agency to contact.

I recommend: Evaluate the responsibilities and objective of the Swiss Federal Banking Commission.

Swiss Franc

The Swiss Franc is the primary currency of the banks in Switzerland. When making deposits in U.S. Dollars into Swiss Franc accounts, it's important to know the currency conversion rate.

I recommend: Assess the definition and conversion rate of the Swiss Franc at Convert World.