Full Banking License
Comprehensive license enabling full banking services including deposits, lending, investment services, and crypto asset custody under Swiss law.
Banking Act (BankA) Art. 1-50, AMLA Art. 3-15, FMIA
Capital Required
CHF 10,000,000 minimum equity
Timeline
18-36 months
Fees
CHF 100,000 application + CHF 50,000-150,000 annual
Regulatory Body
Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)
Legislative Framework
Financial Market Infrastructure Act (FMIA), Banking Act (BankA), Financial Institutions Act (FinIA), DLT Act 2021, Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA)
Last updated: June 2025
Key Requirements
Minimum CHF 10,000,000 paid-up share capital with at least CHF 5,000,000 as equity or equity equivalents
Board of Directors with majority non-executive members and independent Chairman meeting FINMA governance standards
Comprehensive risk management framework covering credit, market, operational, and compliance risks
Qualified Chief Risk Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Chief Financial Officer with banking sector experience
Robust AML/CFT procedures, sanctions screening, and customer due diligence per AMLA Art. 3-15
Secured IT infrastructure with encryption, multi-factor authentication, and cybersecurity incident response plan
Segregated client assets and comprehensive custody safeguards for managed portfolios
Professional indemnity insurance with minimum CHF 10,000,000 coverage and annual compliance certifications
Application Process
Prepare comprehensive banking license application including business plan, financial projections for 3 years, and organizational structure
Submit to FINMA with detailed descriptions of management team, board composition, and regulatory experience
Provide extensive AML/KYC documentation, compliance manuals, and information security policies reviewed by external assessor
Undergo extensive FINMA review including on-site due diligence of premises, IT infrastructure, and governance arrangements
Respond to detailed FINMA information requests regarding risk management, capital planning, and business continuity
Final FINMA decision following multi-stage review; applicant may pursue administrative law remedies if denied
Expected Total Timeline
18-36 months
Ongoing Obligations
After obtaining your Full Banking License, these are the continuing compliance requirements you must maintain.
Submit quarterly reports of regulatory capital, liquidity ratios, and large exposures to FINMA within 45 days
Annual independent audit of financial statements and internal control systems by FINMA-approved auditor
Monthly AML suspicious activity reporting and quarterly compliance certifications to FINMA
Maintain minimum equity ratio of 10% and minimum liquidity coverage ratio per FMIA requirements
Conduct annual stress testing on capital and liquidity and submit remediation plans to FINMA
Notify FINMA of material changes to business model, management, significant shareholders, or risk profile within 5 days
Cost Summary
Capital Requirement
CHF 10,000,000 minimum equity
Application & Licensing Fees
CHF 100,000 application + CHF 50,000-150,000 annual
Jurisdiction Setup Cost
$55,000-$220,000
Annual: $80,000-$200,000
Other Switzerland Licenses
Explore other license types available in Switzerland.
DLT Trading Facility License
FinTech License
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Need help with Full Banking License?
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