Banking Licence in Switzerland
Global private banking hub, non-EU. FINMA regulated. Capital from CHF 10M+. Typical timeline 12 to 24 months.
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Tell us the business, the markets and your timing. Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal: the licence, the requirements, the cost and the timeline.
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Why Switzerland for Your Banking Licence?
Switzerland offers a globally recognised banking brand, political stability, strong rule of law, and a leading position in private banking and wealth management.
FINMA regulates banking in Switzerland. Switzerland is one of the world's premier private banking centres and a major hub for international finance.
Licence requirements
Detailed requirements
Minimum CHF 10 million capital for a full banking licence. Comprehensive governance, risk management, and AML requirements.
Application process
Regulatory Strategy
We assess your business model and regulatory position to develop a clear licensing strategy.
Business Plan
We prepare a comprehensive business plan meeting the regulator's expectations.
Programme of Operations
Detailed programme of operations covering governance, compliance, and operational arrangements.
Compliance Framework
Full AML/CFT framework, compliance monitoring programme, and risk management policies.
Application Submission
We compile and submit the complete application package to the regulator.
Regulator Review
We manage all regulator communications and information requests during the review period.
Authorisation
Upon approval, we support your transition to live operations.
Process detail
12 to 24 months.
Switzerland vs United Kingdom
| Criteria | Switzerland | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | CHF 10M+ | £1M+ |
| Timeline | 12 to 24 months | 12 to 36 months |
| Regulator | FINMA | PRA + FCA |
| Key Feature | Global private banking hub, non-EU | Dual regulation, mobilisation stage available |
Related services
Licensing & Authorisation
Full-service licensing advisory from strategy to authorisation.
Compliance Support
Ongoing compliance frameworks tailored to your regulatory obligations.
Financial Crime
AML, KYC and financial crime prevention programmes.
Ready to get started?
Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal.
Speak to a licensing expertFrequently asked questions
The capital requirement for a banking licence in Switzerland is CHF 10M+. Minimum CHF 10 million capital for a full banking licence. Comprehensive governance, risk management, and AML requirements.
The typical timeline for a banking licence in Switzerland is 12 to 24 months. 12 to 24 months.
Switzerland offers a globally recognised banking brand, political stability, strong rule of law, and a leading position in private banking and wealth management.
After receiving your banking licence in Switzerland, you must maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements including safeguarding of customer funds, regular regulatory reporting, maintaining adequate capital, updating AML and compliance frameworks, and cooperating with supervisory reviews and inspections.
Most jurisdictions require local substance for a banking licence. In Switzerland, you will typically need a registered office, at least one locally resident director, and potentially additional operational staff. We can advise on the exact requirements and help you establish the minimum viable local presence.
A banking licence in Switzerland provides access to the domestic market. Global private banking hub, non-EU. Separate authorisation may be required for other jurisdictions.