Authorisation & Licensing regulatory updates from Switzerland.
We track 24 Authorisation & Licensing updates from Switzerland regulators, published by FINMA. The archive covers 18 news items and 6 regulatory notices. Most recent update: September 2026. Coverage runs from 2025 to 2026.
The Board of Directors of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA has appointed Joris Gröflin to the Swiss Takeover Board with effect from 1 January 2027.
Why this matters
The update announces the election of Joris Gröflin as a new member of the Swiss Takeover Board effective 1 January 2027, replacing Beat Fellmann. This is a standard governance/personnel matter.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA welcomes the announcement made today by the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) regarding the establishment of a working group to optimise financial market regulation in Switzerland. FINMA will support this group with its experience and expertise.
Why this matters
FINMA announces support for a regulatory optimization working group. The content discusses supervisory efficiency improvements, fund authorization processes, and insurance intermediary licensing.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA has concluded enforcement proceedings against two institutions and one individual for serious breaches of the rules of conduct governing the provision of financial services under the FinSA. To restore compliance with the law and protect investors, FINMA ordered…
Why this matters
FINMA enforcement action against fund manager and portfolio manager for serious breaches of conflict of interest duties, suitability obligations, and due diligence requirements under FinSA. License revocation, business cessation orders, and CHF 3M+ confiscation imposed.
The revised Insurance Supervision Act and Insurance Supervision Ordinance came into force on 1 January 2024, bringing about significant changes to the insurance intermediary market. Two and a half years later, FINMA took stock at a symposium in Bern attended by industry experts. It noted positive progress in client…
Why this matters
FINMA's intermediary symposium update on supervision effectiveness under revised Insurance Supervision Act (effective Jan 1, 2024). Addresses unauthorized intermediary activity, misconduct patterns (unsuitable advice, cold calling, forged credentials), and enforcement actions.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA has concluded enforcement proceedings against Wendelspiess Partners AG in liquidation and two individuals for serious breaches of the rules of conduct governing the provision of financial services. It has imposed long-term industry bans on two responsible…
Why this matters
FINMA enforcement action against portfolio manager for serious breaches of conduct duties including inadequate risk disclosure, failure to perform suitability checks, conflicts of interest mishandling, and information withholding. Long-term industry bans imposed and license withdrawn.
Das Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft (SECO) hat eine Änderung der Verordnung vom 21. März 2025 über Massnahmen gegenüber Personen und Organisationen, die mit den Organisationen ISIL (Da'esh) und Al-Kaida in Verbindung stehen (SR 946.231.08) publiziert.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from FINMA discusses its supervisory powers and approach to enforcing financial regulations, particularly related to AML/CFT and prudential requirements. It is relevant for a range of financial firms, including banks, wealth managers, and other regulated entities.
In enforcement proceedings against MBaer Merchant Bank AG that FINMA concluded three weeks ago and which were recently pending before the Swiss Federal Administrative Court, FINMA had withdrawn the bank's licence. As part of the proceedings, FINMA ascertained that the bank does not have an adequate structure in place…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from FINMA describes enforcement proceedings against MBaer Merchant Bank AG, a Swiss bank, for serious and systematic deficiencies in complying with anti-money laundering regulations and sanctions requirements.
Das Eidgenössische Departement für Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung (WBF) hat den Anhang 2 der Verordnung vom 25. Mai 2005 über Massnahmen gegenüber Sudan (SR 946.231.18) geändert.
The Swiss Federal Department for Economic Affairs, Education and Research (WBF) has amended Annex 2 of the Ordinance of 25 May 2005 on Measures against Sudan (SR 946.231.18), updating Switzerland's sanctions list in alignment with UN and international developments. This matters for Swiss financial institutions as it imposes immediate asset freeze and reporting obligations on newly designated individuals and entities linked to threats against Sudan's peace and security, including RSF support and mercenary activities. Compliance teams must screen and act swiftly to avoid FINMA enforcement under supervisory law.
Urgency: High - Immediate asset freeze obligations apply from publication (19 February 2026), with FINMA's enforcement powers (coercive measures under administrative law) risking fines, reputational damage, or license revocation for non-compliance. This escalates amid ongoing Sudan conflict, UN extensions, and multi-jurisdictional alignment, heightening cross-border transaction risks.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the original FINMA source before acting. Full disclaimer.
Das Eidgenössische Departement für Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung (WBF) hat den Anhang der Verordnung vom 10. April 2024 über Massnahmen gegenüber Personen und Organisationen, welche die Hamas oder den Palästinensischen Islamischen Dschihad unterstützen (SR 946.231.09), geändert.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from FINMA, the Swiss financial regulator, discusses its supervisory powers and approach to enforcing financial regulations. It is relevant for banking, investment management, and wealth management firms operating in Switzerland, as well as more broadly for all financial firms subject to FINMA's...
More attractive working conditions and lower operating costs per workstation: FINMA will relocate its Zurich office from the city centre to Zurich-Oerlikon in autumn 2026.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from FINMA, the Swiss financial regulator, announces the relocation of its Zurich office to a new location in Oerlikon. The move is driven by the expiration of the current rental agreement and aims to reduce operating costs while providing more attractive working conditions.
Das Eidgenössische Departement für Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung WBF hat Änderungen des Anhangs 1 der Verordnung vom 28. März 2018 über Massnahmen gegenüber Venezuela (SR 946.231.178.5) publiziert.
On January 13, 2026, Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) updated Annex 1 of the Ordinance on Measures against Venezuela (SR 946.231.178.5), reflecting changes to the list of designated persons and entities subject to Swiss asset freezing measures. This update is critical for Swiss financial institutions and regulated entities as it directly impacts sanctions compliance obligations and requires immediate verification of client and counterparty lists against the revised designations.
Urgency: CRITICAL
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the original FINMA source before acting. Full disclaimer.
No description available.
The Swiss Federal Council adopted a new ordinance (RS 196.127.85) on 5 January 2026, mandating the immediate freezing of all assets in Switzerland belonging to Nicolás Maduro and 36 associated persons, under the Federal Act on the Freezing and Restitution of Illicit Assets held by Foreign Politically Exposed Persons (FIAA). This precautionary measure prevents asset outflows amid Venezuela's political upheaval, complementing existing sanctions since 2018, and enables future mutual legal assistance for potential restitution to the Venezuelan people. It matters for Swiss financial institutions as it imposes immediate reporting and freezing obligations with severe penalties for non-compliance.
Urgency: Critical. This demands immediate action as the freeze took effect on 5 January 2026 at 11 a.m., with custodial penalties up to three years for failures; given today's date (25 January 2026), firms must confirm compliance now to avoid fines up to CHF 250,000 or enforcement. It heightens AML/sanctions risks amid Venezuela's volatility, overlapping with existing Embargo Act measures, and requires rapid system updates for PEPs.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the original FINMA source before acting. Full disclaimer.
Der Bundesrat hat die Sanktionslisten betreffend Russland und Belarus am 12. Dezember 2025 ausgeweitet. Die Schweiz übernimmt damit diverse Änderungen, welche die EU im Rahmen ihres 19. Sanktionspakets beschlossen hat.
The Swiss Federal Council expanded sanctions lists against Russia and Belarus on December 12, 2025, adopting changes from the EU's 19th sanctions package to align Swiss measures with EU restrictions. This matters for Swiss financial institutions as it imposes immediate asset freezes, transaction bans, and reporting obligations on newly listed entities, strengthening efforts to counter Russia's military-industrial complex and shadow oil fleet while preventing sanctions evasion.
Urgency: Critical - Effective immediately (13 Dec 2025), with no grace period for asset freezes/transaction bans, exposing non-compliant firms to severe penalties amid FINMA's active enforcement on sanctions (type: enforcement). This escalates existing Russia/Belarus regimes, targeting evasion vectors like shadow fleets and third-country facilitators, demanding urgent system updates given the volume of new listings (225+ entities/vessels).
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the original FINMA source before acting. Full disclaimer.
The Board of Directors of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA has appointed Hedwig Ulmer Busenhart as the new Head of the Insurance division. The qualified mathematician and actuary has over 25 years of management experience in the insurance sector and will take up her position on 1 April 2026. She…
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the appointment of a new Head of the Insurance division at FINMA, the Swiss financial regulator. This is relevant for insurance firms operating in Switzerland, as it involves a key leadership change at the regulatory body overseeing the insurance sector.
The Board of Directors of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA has extended Beat Fellmann’s term of office by one year until the end of 2026.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from FINMA extends the term of office for a member of the Swiss Takeover Board, which is relevant for banks and wealth managers operating in Switzerland.
The Federal Council has appointed Katia Villard to the Board of Directors of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. A professor of criminal law, Ms Villard will succeed Ursula Cassani Bossy who is stepping down from FINMA's Board of Directors at the end of the year.
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the appointment of a new member to FINMA's Board of Directors, which is the Swiss financial market regulator. This is a governance-related change that impacts banks and wealth managers operating in Switzerland.
An investigation by the Insurance Industry Vocational Training Association (VBV) has revealed that VBV intermediary certificates were wrongly issued in around 100 cases as a result of manipulation. The VBV is not supervised by FINMA. The association acts on behalf of the insurance and intermediary industry and will…
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to the insurance sector, specifically regarding the unlawful issuance of intermediary certificates. It involves issues around authorization and licensing, as well as consumer protection concerns.
Die Schweiz schliesst sich den weiteren Massnahmen des 18. Sanktionspakets der Europäischen Union (EU) gegenüber Russland sowie den zusätzlich zum 18. Sanktionspaket erlassenen Massnahmen gegenüber Belarus an. Dies hat der Bundesrat am 29. Oktober 2025 beschlossen. Im Fokus stehen Massnahmen im Güter-, Finanz und…
Switzerland has aligned with additional EU measures from the 18th sanctions package against Russia and specific Belarus measures, amending the Ordinance on Measures against Belarus (SR 946.231.116.9) to focus on goods, financial, and energy sectors. This strengthens the sanctions regime against Belarus to mirror Russia's more closely, aiming to enhance effectiveness and prevent circumvention. Compliance teams must prioritize asset freezes, transaction prohibitions, and reporting to avoid enforcement risks from FINMA and SECO.
Urgency: High - Effective 30 October 2025, these changes demand immediate portfolio screening and reporting, with non-compliance risking FINMA enforcement, asset seizure, or criminal penalties under sanctions laws. Matters due to rapid alignment with evolving EU packages, increasing circumvention risks via Belarus, and heightened FINMA scrutiny on financial intermediaries amid ongoing Russia/Ukraine conflict.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the original FINMA source before acting. Full disclaimer.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA takes note of the Federal Administrative Court’s partial decision concerning the write-down of AT1 capital instruments. FINMA will contest the judgment of 1 October 2025 and appeal to the Federal Supreme Court.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from FINMA concerns the write-down of AT1 capital instruments, which is a key prudential requirement for banks. The fact that FINMA is appealing the court's decision indicates this is an important issue for the banking sector.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA and the UK Financial Conduct Authority FCA and Prudential Regulation Authority PRA today signed a memorandum of understanding. The memorandum sets out details of the co-operation under the Berne Financial Services Agreement and opens up new cross-border…
Why this matters
This regulatory update covers cooperation between Swiss and UK financial regulators, which impacts firms in the banking, investment management, and insurance sectors. Key topics include prudential requirements, licensing, and consumer protection.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA is transferring the FINMA Banking Insolvency Ordinance, FINMA Insurance Bankruptcy Ordinance and FINMA Collective Investment Schemes Bankruptcy Ordinance to a new consolidated FINMA Insolvency Ordinance. The existing regulations have been revised and adapted where…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from FINMA consolidates insolvency proceedings for financial institutions, including banks, asset managers, and wealth managers. It revises existing regulations based on practical experience, which impacts prudential requirements, operational resilience, and authorization/licensing for these...
Thomas Hirschi has decided to leave the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA effective 31 August 2025. The Head of the Banks division will pursue a new career outside FINMA. FINMA’s Board of Directors and Executive Board thank Thomas Hirschi for his valuable contribution during his time at FINMA.
Why this matters
This is an informational news update about the departure of a senior executive from the Swiss financial regulator FINMA. It is relevant to banks and the regulatory oversight of senior management within the Swiss banking sector.
Das Eidgenössische Departement für Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung WBF hat eine Änderung des Anhangs der Verordnung über Massnahmen betreffend Guatemala (SR 946.231.137.6) publiziert.
The Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (WBF) has published an update to Annex 2 of the Ordinance on Measures concerning Guatemala (SR 946.231.137.6), aligning Swiss sanctions with international developments targeting threats to democracy and rule of law in Guatemala. This matters for Swiss financial institutions as it mandates immediate screening and blocking of newly designated persons/entities to prevent sanctions violations, reinforcing Switzerland's commitment to international sanctions regimes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in Central America. https://www.finma.ch/en/news/2025/06/20250626-sr-946-231-137-6/
Urgency: High - Swiss sanctions take effect immediately upon publication, exposing non-compliant firms to FINMA enforcement (fines up to CHF 1M, reputational damage). This aligns with rising geopolitical risks flagged in FINMA Risk Monitor 2025, where sanctions evasion amid corruption flows could trigger audits; failure risks secondary sanctions under EU/US regimes. https://www.finma.ch/en/news/2025/06/20250626-sr-946-231-137-6/ https://www.swlegal.com/en/insights/newsletter-detail/finma-risk-monitor-2025-finma-flags-nine-principal/
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the original FINMA source before acting. Full disclaimer.
At its meeting on 25 June 2025, the Federal Council was informed of the resignation of Rene W. Keller from the Board of Directors of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA.
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the resignation of a board member from FINMA, the Swiss financial market regulator. This is relevant for banking, investment management and wealth management firms operating in Switzerland, as FINMA is the key supervisory authority.