Swiss Financial Licenses
Switzerland ranks amongst the top tier jurisdictions for financial regulation. A strong and innovative regulatory framework, high standards of compliance, a history of expertise and innovation makes a Swiss company an incredibly well regarded company to operate financial services out of.
There are various degrees of Swiss financial licenses. Starting at self regulatory licenses under the FINMA such as with VQF and Polyreg to a Swiss Fintech and then a Swiss Bank license. Which license your activity fits into depends on the service offered and the activity; whether or not 3rd party funds are held, which volumes you are handling and the nature of the clients you are offering the service to.
FINMA license regulated activities include:
- Banking
- Fintech license
- Securities dealing
- Portfolio management
- Trading facilities
- Financial market infrastructure
- Collective investment schemes
- Intermediary insurance services
- Issuing loans and mortgages
SRO – Self regulated activities include:
- Payment processing
- Fintech services incl. crypto services
- Certain brokerage activities
Tell us about what activity you want to carry out in Switzerland, and we can guide you as to which license you may need to apply for.
We are licensed
Having run a business licensed by a self regulatory body, we know first hand the compliance and documentary requirements as well as audit processes for acquiring and maintaining such a license.
Network
When applications have complexities that require expert knowledge and experience, we don’t hesitate to bring this to the table to secure the best possible people are working with you.
Neutral
As a fiduciary office we act as a neutral interlocuter with the Self regulatory or FINMA office.
Q&A
What is a Swiss financial licence?
A Swiss financial licence is an authorization issued by FINMA (the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority) which confirms that company is permitted to conduct regulated financial activities such as asset management, banking, fintech services, collective investment schemes, insurance, or financial intermediation.
Who needs a Swiss self regulatory license under the FINMA
Companies that offer activities such as:
- Payment processing
- Fintech services incl. crypto services
- Certain brokerage activities
- Conducts AML-relevant activities (as a financial intermediary)
Who needs a Swiss financial licence?
You may need a FINMA licence if your business:
- Manages 3rd party funds and assets
- Operates a bank or securities firm
- Offers collective investment schemes
- Provides portfolio management or investment advice on a professional basis
Holds customer funds or custody assets
What types of financial licences exist in Switzerland?
Common FINMA licences include:
- Asset Manager Licence
- Portfolio Manager Licence (FIDLEG)
- Trustee Licence
- Securities Firm Licence
- Banking Licence
- Fund Management Company Licence
- FinTech Licence (“Banking light”, Art. 1b BA)
- Insurance or Reinsurance Company Licence
- DSFI-License / AML financial intermediary registration (via SRO)
What are the minimum capital requirements?
It varies by licence type:
- Self regulatory license: none
- Portfolio Manager / Trustee: usually CHF 100,000 – 200,000
- FinTech licence: minimum CHF 300,000 capital
- Securities firm: CHF 1 million+
- Bank: CHF 10 million+ (often significantly higher)
FINMA also requires ongoing capital adequacy.
What documents are required for a Swiss financial licence application?
Usually:
- Detailed business plan
- Orgnaisational chart
- CVs of your team highlighting their expertise to carry out your planned service
- Organizational regulations and governance documents
- Risk management and internal control frameworks
- AML policies and compliance manuals
- Financial forecasts and capital structure
- Directors’ and officers’ CVs, background checks, and proof of competence
- IT, cybersecurity, and outsourcing frameworks
- Audit agreement (regulatory auditor)
Does Switzerland license crypto or blockchain companies?
Yes. Activities involving custody, brokerage, trading, token issuance, or crypto-asset management may require:
- VQF Crypto license
- FinTech licence
- Portfolio manager licence (for crypto portfolios)
- Securities firm licence (for trading platforms)
Crypto companies must also comply with AMLA and FINMA guidelines for blockchain businesses.
Do I need a physical office in Switzerland?
Yes. FINMA generally requires:
- A Swiss registered office
- Management located in Switzerland (fit & proper directors)
Key control functions operating from Switzerland
Can foreign owners or directors apply for a Swiss licence?
Yes, but:
- They must pass “fit and proper” assessments
- At least part of executive management must reside in Switzerland
- Foreign parent companies must be transparent and well-regulated
What are the ongoing obligations after receiving the licence?
- Annual audits (regulatory and financial)
- Risk management & compliance reporting
- AML monitoring and reporting
- Capital adequacy maintenance
- Notification obligations for major changes (ownership, business model)