Who We Serve
Comprehensive legal services across regulatory, transactional, and advisory domains. Swiss precision meets global perspective.
Swiss & International Banks
Comprehensive regulatory counsel covering FINMA licensing, TBTF compliance, capital adequacy under Basel III/IV, and ongoing supervisory dialogue. We guide established banks and new market entrants through every regulatory obligation
Asset Managers & Fund Administrators
Navigating FinSA and FinIA obligations, fund structuring, cross-border distribution agreements, and registration with FINMA. We ensure your asset management operations meet every Swiss regulatory standard.
Fintech & Digital Banking
From fintech licences under Art. 1b BankG to full banking authorisation, we advise digital-first companies on sandbox participation, DLT-based trading facilities, and regulatory strategy for innovative business models.
What We Do
End-to-end legal services across the full spectrum of Swiss banking and finance regulation.
FINMA Banking Licence Applications
Full-service preparation and submission of banking licence applications under the Banking Act.
Regulatory Capital & TBTF Compliance
Capital adequacy planning, TBTF resolution planning, and Basel III/IV implementation advisory.
AML/KYC Framework Development
Design and implementation of anti-money laundering programmes compliant with AMLA and FINMA circulars.
FinSA & FinIA Advisory
Registration, conduct rules, prospectus requirements, and organisational obligations under FinSA/FinIA.
Structured Finance & Credit Facilities
Syndicated lending, credit facility documentation, and structured product regulatory review.
Digital Banking Transformation
Regulatory strategy for digital-only banks, open banking APIs, and DLT-based financial infrastructure.
Why Switzerland
Switzerland remains the world's premier banking jurisdiction, combining regulatory rigour with openness to innovation.
Regulatory Stability & Global Trust
Switzerland's financial regulatory framework, anchored by FINMA and the Swiss National Bank, is recognized worldwide for its consistency, predictability, and adherence to international standards. Swiss-licensed institutions benefit from a jurisdiction trusted by counterparties, investors, and regulators across the globe.
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Institutional Depth
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With approximately CHF 7.9 trillion in banking assets under management, Switzerland hosts two globally systemically important banks, 24 cantonal banks, and hundreds of private banks and asset managers. This institutional density creates an unmatched ecosystem of financial expertise.
Innovation-Friendly Framework
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The fintech licence (Art. 1b BankG) and the regulatory sandbox for deposits up to CHF 1 million demonstrate Switzerland's commitment to fostering innovation. The DLT Act provides a comprehensive legal basis for tokenised securities and blockchain-based financial infrastructure.
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Cross-Border Excellence
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Switzerland's bilateral agreements, OECD tax transparency standards, and AEOI participation make it a hub for cross-border financial services. Swiss banks serve clients in over 150 countries with full regulatory compliance.
Why Allegra LAW
What sets us apart in Swiss banking and finance law.
Boutique Precision
A senior lawyer leads every mandate. No delegation to junior associates, no handoffs. You get direct access to experienced counsel from day one.
Digital Asset Edge
We advised on the first licence for a digital stock exchange in Switzerland, giving us unmatched insight into the intersection of banking law and blockchain technology.
Former FINMA Staff
Our team includes professionals with direct FINMA experience, providing insider perspective on regulatory expectations, review processes, and supervisory priorities.
Cross-Border Strength
Deep expertise in international structuring, cross-border distribution, and multi-jurisdictional regulatory coordination for clients operating across borders.
Speed & Clarity
Efficient processes, clear timelines, and transparent fee structures. We move fast without compromising quality, keeping you informed at every stage.
Strong Network
Established relationships with FINMA, SIX Swiss Exchange, banking associations, and SROs. Our network accelerates processes and opens doors.
What We Cover
A comprehensive overview of our banking and finance practice areas.
Licensing & Authorisation
✓ Banking licenses
✓ Fintech licenses
✓ Securities firm licenses
✓ SRO membership
✓ FINMA no-objection letters
Ongoing Compliance
✓ Capital adequacy (Basel III/IV)
✓ AMLA compliance
✓ FinSA/FinIA obligations
✓ Supervisory reporting
✓ Risk Management frameworks
Transactions & Structuring
✓ Credit facilities
✓ Syndicated loans
✓ Structured products
✓ Digital Banking Platforms
✓ Cross-border structuring
Your Banking Journey in 4 Steps
From initial assessment to ongoing support, we guide you through every phase.
1
Regulatory Assessment
We analyse your business model, determine the applicable framework, and identify the optimal licensing path.
2
Regulatory Assessment
We prepare all required documentation including business plans, compliance frameworks, and governance structures.
3
Regulatory Assessment
We manage the entire submission process, handle information requests, and maintain constructive regulatory dialogue.
4
Regulatory Assessment
Post-approval, we support operational launch and provide ongoing counsel as your business evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key questions about banking and finance law in Switzerland.
What license do I need to operate a bank in Switzerland?
Under Art. 3 of the Swiss Banking Act, any entity that commercially accepts deposits from the public requires a banking license from FINMA. For fintech companies and smaller-scale operators, the fintech license under Art. 1b BankG permits acceptance of public deposits up to CHF 100 million, provided those funds are not invested or interest-bearing. Allegra LAW has extensive experience guiding clients through both licensing paths, leveraging our former FINMA staff insights to anticipate regulatory expectations and streamline the application process.
How do the 2024 TBTF reforms affect my bank?
The Federal Council's 2024 capital adequacy package introduces enhanced requirements for systemically important banks, including stricter going-concern and gone-concern capital buffers, strengthened resolution planning obligations, and expanded senior management accountability. These reforms respond to lessons from the Credit Suisse crisis and affect banks at every tier. Allegra LAW advises institutions on the practical implementation of these reforms, helping boards and management teams understand their new obligations and develop compliant capital strategies well ahead of enforcement deadlines.
What are the key AML/KYC requirements for Swiss banks?
Swiss banks must comply with the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), the FINMA Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance, and the Agreement on the Swiss Banks' Code of Conduct (CDB). Key obligations include customer identification, beneficial ownership verification, transaction monitoring, and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the Money Laundering Reporting Office (MROS). The ongoing AMLA revision introduces expanded due diligence for advisors and lawyers. Allegra LAW's compliance team designs and reviews AML/KYC frameworks, ensures SRO membership compliance, and conducts internal audits to identify and close compliance gaps before they become regulatory findings.
Can a foreign bank establish a branch in Switzerland?
Yes. Foreign banks may establish a branch in Switzerland subject to FINMA authorization under Art. 2 of the Foreign Banks Ordinance. Requirements include adequate home-country supervision, reciprocity between jurisdictions, minimum capital allocation to the Swiss branch, and appointment of qualified local management. The branch must also comply with Swiss AML obligations independently. Allegra LAW's cross-border expertise ensures smooth coordination between your home regulator and FINMA, managing the dual-jurisdiction compliance burden and accelerating the authorisation timeline.
How is digital banking regulated in Switzerland?
Digital banks in Switzerland are subject to the same Banking Act requirements as traditional institutions, with additional considerations under the DLT Act for blockchain-based services. The fintech license offers a lighter-touch option for innovative models that accept limited deposits. Switzerland was among the first jurisdictions to create a comprehensive DLT framework, and FINMA has shown willingness to engage constructively with novel business models. Allegra LAW advised on the first licence for a digital stock exchange in Switzerland, giving us unique, first-hand expertise in the regulatory treatment of DLT-based financial infrastructure and digital banking innovation.