Legal basis for banks
The financial market legislation governing banks derives from one federal act, four Federal Council ordinances and one FINMA ordinance.
Banking Act
The Banking Act governs banks, private bankers and savings banks. It deals with operating licences and specifies rules for business conduct.Banking Ordinance
The Banking Ordinance applies to banks, private bankers and savings banks; it details the provisions of the Banking Act.FINMA Foreign Banks Ordinance
The FINMA Foreign Banks Ordinance applies to foreign banks seeking to set up a branch in Switzerland.Capital Adequacy Ordinance
To protect creditors and the stability of the financial system, banks and securities dealers are required to keep sufficient capital available for the business they conduct and the risks they incur and to limit their risks appropriately. This ordinance applies to banks and securities dealers.
Liquidity Ordinance
This ordinance governs the qualitative and quantitative liquidity requirements for banks.
FINMA Banking Insolvency Ordinance
This ordinance details the restructuring and bankruptcy proceedings provided for in the Banking Act. It applies to banks, securities dealers and central mortgage bond institutions.
FINMA Accounting Ordinance
The FINMA Accounting Ordinance regulates in particular the preparation of financial statements and the publication of annual reports and interim financial statements.