Dossier on small banks

FINMA seeks to increase efficiency in regulation and supervision for small and particularly solid institutions. The goal is to reduce the regulatory burden on the smallest banks without jeopardising their stability and safety. This page provides key information on this topic.
From the Annual Report 2021

Experience with the small banks regime

FINMA pursues a range of initiatives so that it can ensure that implementation of banking regulation is structured as proportionately as possible. The small banks regime exempts banks and securities firms in categories 4 and 5 that are particularly liquid and well capitalised from certain supervisory requirements.

To the content
From the Annual Report 2020

Small banks regime comes into force / Small Bank Symposium

Kleinbanken

The small banks regime exempts Category 4 and 5 banks that fulfil qualified requirements from certain supervisory requirements. FINMA approved 64 institutions to participate in the regime when it came into force on 1 January 2020.

To the content
From the Annual Report 2019

From pilot to new regluatory regime

Kleinbanken

FINMA strives to regulate in a manner that is both proportionate and distinguishes appropriately between different risks and business types. One important milestone is the small banks regime.

To the content
From the Annual Report 2018

Efficiency and proportionality in banking supervision

FINMA’s supervision and regulation have long been guided by the principles of efficiency and proportionality. In recent years it has systematically incorporated the principle of proportionality into its circulars and, particularly for smaller institutions, introduced various exceptions and relaxations.

To the content
From the Annual Report 2017

Reducing the administrative burden on small banks

One of the financial sector’s strengths is its diversity. Small banks and microbanks should be given every chance to continue operating. FINMA is therefore committed to identifying unnecessary obstacles and costs for small banks and eliminating them where possible.

To the content

Backgroundimage