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Switzerland: fintech & payments regulation

Regulated

Swiss fintech & payments: FINMA regulates banking activities; VASP regime under AMLA

Lead regulator:
Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)
Key law:
Banking Act (Banking Act of 8 November 1934)
Last updated:
2026-07-12

The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is the primary regulator for financial services, including fintech and payment activities that constitute banking or financial services under Swiss law. The regulatory framework is anchored in the Banking Act and the Financial Services Act (FinSA), with anti-money laundering provisions governed by the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA).

Who regulates

  • Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)

    Primary supervisor for banking, securities, and insurance activities; determines licensing requirements for non-banks accepting public deposits.

    [1]

Core laws & rules

  • Banking Act (1934)

    Establishes the requirement for a banking license for activities such as accepting public deposits, as clarified by FINMA circulars regarding non-banks.

    [1]

Licensing & registration

  • Banking License

    Required for non-banks that accept public deposits unless specific exemptions apply (e.g., funds lack public deposit characteristics).

    [1]

Restrictions & warnings

  • Non-banks are prohibited from accepting public deposits unless the funds do not constitute regulated banking activities, as defined by FINMA criteria.

    [1]

Direction of travel

  • FINMA continues to enforce strict licensing criteria for non-bank deposit-taking, ensuring alignment with the Banking Act's definition of regulated banking activities.

    [1]

Sources

  1. FINMA Circular 2008/3 Public Deposits with Non-Banks · 2019-06-26

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This guide is compiled automatically from 1 primary-source documents published by Switzerland's regulators, reviewed by RegAlert, and refreshed monthly (last updated 2026-07-12). It is not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the regulator or local counsel before acting.