Swiss Banks (2023) – Everything you should know about banks in Switzerland
We give you a complete overview of all categories of banks that exist in Switzerland. We do not limit ourselves to publishing a top 10 list of the largest Swiss banks, as other websites do. That won’t help you much.
We compiled all the criteria, facts, and figures of banks in Switzerland that are useful to foreign investors. You will receive the know-how to tell: “Which Swiss bank is the safest?” on a silver plate.
There are a total of 243 banks in Switzerland (Swiss National Bank, last update 30.9.2021). Not all banks make their figures accessible.
As a foreign investor in Switzerland, you look for asset protection. You need accurate criteria, facts, and figures. You will be in a position to compare, choose and find the safest bank in Switzerland to deposit your money.
Swiss banks are known to be the safest banks in the world but they are reluctant to publish internal bank data. For the first time, we have created transparency in the secretive Swiss banking system.
You get valuable information for an initial assessment of the bank’s safety. You will be amazed at how easy it is to compare and choose Swiss banks. After all, you want to be sure that your money ends up in safe hands.
- Swiss banks list (List of Swiss banks by total assets on the balance sheet)
- Swiss banks categories
- Best Swiss Banks
- Swiss banks interest rates
- Major Swiss Banks
- Deposit insurance at banks in Switzerland
- Rating Swiss banks
- Cantonal Banks – unique in Switzerland
- Swiss Private Banks
- Swiss Banks FAQ (frequently asked Question)
Autor: Enzo Caputo
Banking Lawyer since: 1986
Position: Founder & CEO of the
Boutique Law Firm Caputo & Partners
Updated on: 25.02.2023
We are the leading asset protection boutique law firm in Switzerland with a proven track record.
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🎞️ ⬇️Content of the Video⬇️
00:00 👉 Intro
01:21 👉 Swiss banks for foreigners
02:34 👉 Swiss bank account for non residents
04:08 👉 Which Swiss bank is best for foreigners?
05:57 👉 The best banks for asset protection
08:03 👉 Which banks are the safest Swiss banks?
08:58 👉 Swiss banks like to work with professionals they trust
09:54 👉 There are about 2500 independent asset managers in Switzerland
10:30 👉 Negotiate package pricing
11:17 👉 Check my new Swiss banking directory
Swiss banks list (List of Swiss banks by total assets on the balance sheet)
The balance sheet total is shown in thousands of Swiss francs.
With a click on the top field in a column, you can sort the table according to your wishes.
Fdn. Year | Name | Total Assets | Bank Category |
---|---|---|---|
1913 | Aargauische Kantonalbank | 31.777.481 | Cantonal banks |
2005 | ABANCA CORPORACION BANCARIA S.A., Betanzos, succursale de Genève | 374.947 | Branches of foreign banks |
2002 | acrevis Bank AG | 4.874.320 | Regional and savings banks |
1826 | AEK BANK 1826 Genossenschaft | 4.993.944 | Regional and savings banks |
2020 | Allfunds Bank International S.A., Luxembourg, Zurich Branch | 81.589 | Branches of foreign banks |
1868 | Alpha RHEINTAL Bank AG | 2.712.237 | Regional and savings banks |
1989 | Alternative Bank Schweiz AG | 2.144.233 | Other banking institutions |
1995 | AP ANLAGE & PRIVATBANK AG | 207.838 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1899 | Appenzeller Kantonalbank | 3.770.704 | Cantonal banks |
2012 | Aquila AG | 227.241 | Other banking institutions |
1962 | Arab Bank (Switzerland) Ltd. | 4.702.133 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1998 | AXION SWISS BANK SA | 1.464.900 | Stock exchange banks |
1994 | Baloise Bank SoBa AG | 8.568.659 | Regional and savings banks |
2000 | Banca Aletti & C. (Suisse) SA | 129.282 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2004 | BANCA CREDINVEST SA | 563.913 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1958 | BANCA DEL CERESIO SA | 808.610 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1961 | BANCA DEL SEMPIONE SA | 817.862 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1915 | Banca dello Stato del Cantone Ticino | 15.825.898 | Cantonal banks |
1995 | Banca Popolare di Sondrio (Suisse) SA | 5.894.609 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1991 | BANCA ZARATTINI & CO. SA | 542.525 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2010 | Banco Itaú (Suisse) SA | 1.208.002 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1988 | Banco Santander International SA | 3.234.387 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1828 | Bank Avera Genossenschaft | 4.553.699 | Regional and savings banks |
1836 | Bank BSU Genossenschaft | 1.104.644 | Regional and savings banks |
1909 | Bank CIC (Schweiz) AG | 11.604.856 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1927 | Bank Cler AG | 19.907.107 | Other banking institutions |
1821 | Bank EEK AG | 1.718.577 | Regional and savings banks |
1852 | Bank EKI Genossenschaft | 1.450.295 | Regional and savings banks |
2004 | Bank für Tirol und Vorarlberg Aktiengesellschaft, Innsbruck, Zweigniederlassung Staad | 849.319 | Branches of foreign banks |
1825 | Bank Gantrisch Genossenschaft | 843.932 | Regional and savings banks |
1904 | Bank in Zuzwil AG | 312.248 | Regional and savings banks |
1841 | Bank J. Safra Sarasin AG | 24.985.632 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1890 | Bank Julius Bär & Co. AG | 100.503.112 | Stock exchange banks |
1836 | Bank Leerau Genossenschaft | 716.491 | Regional and savings banks |
1848 | Bank Linth LLB AG | 8.300.415 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1876 | Bank Oberaargau AG | 1.633.666 | Regional and savings banks |
2016 | Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company, Dublin, Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 3.642.450 | Branches of foreign banks |
1870 | Bank SLM AG | 1.636.833 | Regional and savings banks |
1850 | Bank Sparhafen Zürich AG | 648.486 | Regional and savings banks |
1841 | Bank Thalwil Genossenschaft | 1.227.822 | Regional and savings banks |
2008 | Bank von Roll AG | 348.764 | Stock exchange banks |
1936 | Bank Vontobel AG | 21.898.373 | Stock exchange banks |
1820 | BANK ZIMMERBERG AG | 1.344.571 | Regional and savings banks |
2008 | bank zweiplus ag | 506.352 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1986 | BankMed (Suisse) SA | 537.677 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2006 | Bank-now AG | 3.847.779 | Other banking institutions |
1981 | Banque Algérienne du Commerce Extérieur SA | 647.528 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1934 | BANQUE AUDI (SUISSE) SA | 1.867.625 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1815 | Banque Bonhôte & Cie SA | 428.499 | Stock exchange banks |
1892 | Banque Cantonale de Fribourg | 26.714.326 | Cantonal banks |
1816 | Banque Cantonale de Genève | 27.335.440 | Cantonal banks |
1979 | Banque Cantonale du Jura SA | 3.999.460 | Cantonal banks |
1917 | Banque Cantonale du Valais | 18.067.899 | Cantonal banks |
1883 | Banque cantonale neuchâteloise | 11.511.967 | Cantonal banks |
1845 | Banque Cantonale Vaudoise | 52.277.802 | Cantonal banks |
1999 | Banque Cramer & Cie SA | 939.037 | Stock exchange banks |
1963 | Banque de Commerce et de Placements SA | 3.480.314 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1999 | Banque Degroof Petercam (Suisse) SA | 176.307 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2013 | Banque du Léman SA | 1.077.493 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1989 | Banque Eric Sturdza SA | 392.297 | Stock exchange banks |
1957 | Banque Havilland (Suisse) S.A. | 203.304 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1985 | BANQUE HERITAGE SA | 677.080 | Stock exchange banks |
1985 | Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (Suisse) SA | 1.278.789 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2015 | Banque Internationale de Commerce - BRED (Suisse) SA | 974.814 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1798 | Banque Lombard Odier & Cie SA | 17.975.935 | Stock exchange banks |
2009 | Banque Pâris Bertrand SA | 145.161 | Stock exchange banks |
1805 | Banque Pictet & Cie SA | 35.320.686 | Stock exchange banks |
2003 | BANQUE PRIVEE BCP (SUISSE) SA | 777.233 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1999 | BANQUE PROFIL DE GESTION SA | 318.263 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1995 | Banque SYZ SA | 1.979.528 | Stock exchange banks |
1982 | Banque Thaler SA | 447.922 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1994 | Bantleon Bank AG | 207.566 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1986 | Barclays Bank (Suisse) SA | 3.909.571 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2001 | Barclays Capital, Zurich Branch of Barclays Bank PLC, London | 35.345.087 | Branches of foreign banks |
1864 | Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank | 29.769.688 | Cantonal banks |
1899 | Basler Kantonalbank | 35.790.197 | Cantonal banks |
1920 | Baumann & Cie KmG | Private bankers | |
1851 | BBO Bank Brienz Oberhasli AG | 651.278 | Regional and savings banks |
1984 | BBVA SA | 1.138.916 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1988 | BERGOS BERENBERG AG | 714.219 | Stock exchange banks |
1834 | Berner Kantonalbank AG | 36.421.744 | Cantonal banks |
1859 | Bernerland Bank AG | 1.676.295 | Regional and savings banks |
1837 | Bezirks-Sparkasse Dielsdorf Genossenschaft | 1.578.679 | Regional and savings banks |
1879 | Biene Bank im Rheintal Genossenschaft | 1.100.920 | Regional and savings banks |
1979 | BLOM BANK (Switzerland) SA | 763.343 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1872 | BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA | 15.836.984 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2001 | BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES, Paris, succursale de Zurich | 2.267.197 | Branches of foreign banks |
1844 | Bordier & Cie SCmA | Private bankers | |
1998 | BS Bank Schaffhausen AG | 1.356.209 | Regional and savings banks |
1825 | Burgergemeinde Bern, DC Bank Deposito-Cassa der Stadt Bern | 1.084.615 | Regional and savings banks |
1820 | Burgerliche Ersparniskasse Bern, Genossenschaft | 359.523 | Regional and savings banks |
1985 | BZ Bank Aktiengesellschaft | 320.030 | Stock exchange banks |
1957 | CA Indosuez (Switzerland) SA | 16.063.563 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2015 | CACEIS Bank, Paris, succursale de Nyon / Suisse | 613.989 | Branches of foreign banks |
1829 | Caisse d'Epargne Courtelary SA | 807.333 | Regional and savings banks |
1837 | Caisse d'Epargne d'Aubonne société coopérative | 521.268 | Regional and savings banks |
1833 | Caisse d'Epargne de Cossonay société coopérative | 435.254 | Regional and savings banks |
1828 | Caisse d'Epargne de Nyon société coopérative | 507.400 | Regional and savings banks |
1939 | Caisse d'Epargne et de Crédit Mutuel de Chermignon société coopérative | 107.933 | Regional and savings banks |
1814 | Caisse d'Epargne Riviera, société coopérative | 631.215 | Regional and savings banks |
1991 | CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique SA | 3.427.789 | Stock exchange banks |
2010 | Cembra Money Bank AG | 6.677.634 | Other banking institutions |
2015 | China Construction Bank Corporation, Beijing, Swiss Branch Zurich | 2.747.194 | Branches of foreign banks |
1990 | CIM BANQUE SA | 1.596.678 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1982 | Citibank (Switzerland) AG | 2.847.552 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1963 | Citibank, N.A., Sioux Falls, Zurich Branch | 12.359.515 | Branches of foreign banks |
1834 | Clientis Bank Aareland AG | 763.761 | Regional and savings banks |
1885 | Clientis Bank im Thal AG | 358.048 | Regional and savings banks |
1874 | Clientis Bank Oberuzwil AG | 660.340 | Regional and savings banks |
1889 | Clientis Bank Thur Genossenschaft | 443.199 | Regional and savings banks |
1911 | Clientis Bank Toggenburg AG | 927.745 | Regional and savings banks |
1994 | Clientis EB Entlebucher Bank AG | 1.147.967 | Regional and savings banks |
1829 | Clientis Sparkasse Oftringen Genossenschaft | 524.846 | Regional and savings banks |
2002 | COMMERZBANK Aktiengesellschaft, Frankfurt am Main, Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 1.069.274 | Branches of foreign banks |
1952 | Cornèr Banca SA | 9.066.503 | Other banking institutions |
2000 | Crédit Agricole next bank (Suisse) SA | 5.625.635 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1987 | Credit Europe Bank (Suisse) SA | 423.018 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1865 | CREDIT MUTUEL DE LA VALLEE SA | 206.862 | Regional and savings banks |
2016 | Credit Suisse (Schweiz) AG | 250.366.543 | Big banks |
1856 | Credit Suisse AG | 548.674.716 | Big banks |
1980 | Deutsche Bank (Suisse) SA | 8.832.862 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2000 | Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Frankfurt a.M., Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 5.104.425 | Branches of foreign banks |
1813 | Dreyfus Söhne & Cie. Aktiengesellschaft, Banquiers | 2.622.546 | Stock exchange banks |
2010 | Dukascopy Bank SA | 162.743 | Stock exchange banks |
1975 | DZ PRIVATBANK (Schweiz) AG | 896.655 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1886 | E. Gutzwiller & Cie. Banquiers | Private bankers | |
1923 | Edmond de Rothschild (Suisse) S.A. | 9.072.683 | Stock exchange banks |
1969 | EFG Bank AG | 27.578.532 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1921 | EFG Bank European Financial Group SA | 1.138.726 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1873 | Ersparniskasse Affoltern i.E. AG | 316.320 | Regional and savings banks |
1835 | Ersparniskasse Rüeggisberg Genossenschaft | 365.136 | Regional and savings banks |
1817 | Ersparniskasse Schaffhausen AG | 939.052 | Regional and savings banks |
1819 | Ersparniskasse Speicher | 78.369 | Regional and savings banks |
1995 | F. van Lanschot Bankiers (Schweiz) AG | 632.477 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2006 | FAB Private Bank (Suisse) SA | 929.297 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2020 | FlowBank SA | 40.739 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1994 | Frankfurter Bankgesellschaft (Schweiz) AG | 1.072.986 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1984 | Freie Gemeinschaftsbank Genossenschaft | 330.690 | Other banking institutions |
1992 | Gazprombank (Schweiz) AG | 1.804.207 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1884 | Glarner Kantonalbank | 7.049.275 | Cantonal banks |
2010 | Globalance Bank AG | 85.296 | Stock exchange banks |
1992 | Goldman Sachs Bank AG | 1.402.021 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1845 | Gonet & Cie SA | 763.288 | Stock exchange banks |
1870 | Graubündner Kantonalbank | 31.194.859 | Cantonal banks |
1857 | GRB Glarner Regionalbank Genossenschaft | 686.396 | Regional and savings banks |
1967 | Habib Bank AG Zürich | 4.678.893 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1990 | HBL BANK UK LIMITED, London, Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 66.371 | Branches of foreign banks |
2011 | Helvetische Bank AG | 628.410 | Other banking institutions |
2010 | HSBC Bank plc, London, Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 1.380.303 | Branches of foreign banks |
1988 | HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA | 15.048.689 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1997 | Hypo Vorarlberg Bank AG, Bregenz, Zweigniederlassung St. Gallen | 983.830 | Branches of foreign banks |
1997 | Hyposwiss Private Bank Genève SA | 1.205.646 | Stock exchange banks |
1868 | Hypothekarbank Lenzburg AG | 5.923.081 | Regional and savings banks |
2014 | IG Bank S.A. | 115.530 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2006 | InCore Bank AG | 236.138 | Other banking institutions |
2017 | Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, Peking, Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 2.026.069 | Branches of foreign banks |
2001 | ING Bank N.V., Amsterdam, succursale de Lancy/Genève | 9.917.622 | Branches of foreign banks |
1976 | Intesa Sanpaolo Private Bank (Suisse) Morval SA | 951.816 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1970 | Investec Bank (Switzerland) AG | 317.074 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1980 | J.P. Morgan (Suisse) SA | 9.191.612 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2011 | J.P. Morgan Securities plc, London, Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 25.041 | Branches of foreign banks |
1984 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Columbus, Zurich Branch | 8.519.407 | Branches of foreign banks |
1780 | LANDOLT & CIE SA | 386.347 | Stock exchange banks |
1863 | Leihkasse Stammheim AG | 484.724 | Regional and savings banks |
2001 | LGT Bank (Schweiz) AG | 9.889.359 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1868 | Lienhardt & Partner Privatbank Zürich AG | 1.065.687 | Regional and savings banks |
1850 | Luzerner Kantonalbank AG | 48.741.231 | Cantonal banks |
1932 | Maerki Baumann & Co. AG | 616.003 | Stock exchange banks |
2018 | MBaer Merchant Bank AG | 230.459 | Stock exchange banks |
2000 | Mercantil Bank (Schweiz) AG | 152.641 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1958 | Migros Bank AG | 50.769.111 | Other banking institutions |
1819 | Mirabaud & Cie SA | 3.596.466 | Stock exchange banks |
1999 | NBK Private Bank (Switzerland) Ltd | 747.404 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1879 | Nidwaldner Kantonalbank | 5.884.387 | Cantonal banks |
1988 | Nomura Bank (Schweiz) AG | 127.336 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2001 | NPB Neue Privat Bank AG | 146.698 | Stock exchange banks |
1886 | Obwaldner Kantonalbank | 5.518.516 | Cantonal banks |
1974 | ODDO BHF (Schweiz) AG | 404.509 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2004 | One Swiss Bank SA | 447.249 | Stock exchange banks |
1856 | Piguet Galland & Cie SA | 1.115.509 | Stock exchange banks |
1958 | PKB PRIVATBANK SA | 2.310.139 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2013 | PostFinance AG | 117.189.170 | Other banking institutions |
1989 | Privatbank Bellerive AG | 366.136 | Stock exchange banks |
1949 | Privatbank IHAG Zürich AG | 1.452.729 | Stock exchange banks |
1992 | Privatbank Von Graffenried AG | 194.750 | Stock exchange banks |
2000 | Private Client Bank AG | 54.280 | Stock exchange banks |
2009 | QNB (Suisse) SA | 1.012.388 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2012 | Quilvest (Switzerland) Ltd. | 409.374 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1993 | Quintet Private Bank (Schweiz) AG | 220.129 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1750 | Rahn+Bodmer Co. | Private bankers | |
1902 | Raiffeisen-Gruppe | 259.653.252 | Raiffeisen banks |
2006 | RBC Investor Services Bank S.A., Esch-sur-Alzette, Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 3.486.792 | Branches of foreign banks |
1903 | Regiobank Männedorf AG | 409.012 | Regional and savings banks |
1819 | Regiobank Solothurn AG | 3.103.287 | Regional and savings banks |
1998 | Reichmuth & Co. | Private bankers | |
2010 | REYL & Cie SA | 2.073.847 | Stock exchange banks |
1968 | Rothschild & Co Bank AG | 4.892.495 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1994 | S.P. Hinduja Banque Privée SA | 300.792 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1999 | SAXO BANK (SCHWEIZ) AG | 779.345 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1874 | SB Saanen Bank AG | 1.561.783 | Regional and savings banks |
1988 | Sberbank (Switzerland) AG | 2.132.725 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1883 | Schaffhauser Kantonalbank | 8.836.937 | Cantonal banks |
1967 | Schroder & Co Bank AG | 1.161.110 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1890 | Schwyzer Kantonalbank | 21.425.617 | Cantonal banks |
1968 | Scobag Privatbank AG | 937.415 | Stock exchange banks |
2019 | SEBA Bank AG | 122.230 | Other banking institutions |
1903 | Società Bancaria Ticinese SA | 207.655 | Stock exchange banks |
1987 | SOCIETE GENERALE Private Banking (Suisse) SA | 6.772.771 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1926 | Société Générale, Paris, Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 21.844.333 | Branches of foreign banks |
1926 | SPAR + LEIHKASSE GÜRBETAL AG | 445.897 | Regional and savings banks |
1850 | Spar- und Leihkasse Bucheggberg AG | 752.874 | Regional and savings banks |
1837 | Spar- und Leihkasse Frutigen AG | 1.714.510 | Regional and savings banks |
1895 | Spar- und Leihkasse Thayngen AG | 611.325 | Regional and savings banks |
1929 | Spar- und Leihkasse Wynigen AG | 256.947 | Regional and savings banks |
1903 | Spar+Leihkasse Riggisberg AG | 593.589 | Regional and savings banks |
1816 | Sparcassa 1816 Genossenschaft | 1.548.307 | Regional and savings banks |
1812 | Sparkasse Schwyz AG | 1.932.372 | Regional and savings banks |
1863 | Sparkasse Sense | 438.612 | Regional and savings banks |
1868 | St.Galler Kantonalbank AG | 38.354.420 | Cantonal banks |
2007 | State Street Bank International GmbH, München, Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 1.411.159 | Branches of foreign banks |
2009 | STRATEO, Genève, Succursale d'Arkéa Direct Bank SA, Puteaux (Paris) | 138.961 | Branches of foreign banks |
2010 | Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services AG | 440.272 | Other banking institutions |
2001 | Swissquote Bank SA | 6.885.942 | Stock exchange banks |
2019 | Sygnum Bank AG | 70.833 | Other banking institutions |
1996 | Tellco AG | 172.642 | Other banking institutions |
1871 | Thurgauer Kantonalbank | 28.707.406 | Cantonal banks |
1991 | Trafina Privatbank AG | 109.777 | Stock exchange banks |
1967 | UBL (Switzerland) AG | 127.176 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1998 | UBS AG | 450.756.221 | Big banks |
2000 | UBS Europe SE, Frankfurt am Main, Zweigniederlassung Schweiz, Opfikon | 783 | Branches of foreign banks |
2015 | UBS Switzerland AG | 316.828.546 | Big banks |
2003 | UniCredit Bank AG, München, Zweigniederlassung Zürich | 5.117 | Branches of foreign banks |
1960 | UNION BANCAIRE PRIVEE, UBP SA | 37.407.905 | Stock exchange banks |
1980 | UNITED MIZRAHI BANK (Switzerland) Ltd. | 128.336 | Foreign-controlled banks |
1915 | Urner Kantonalbank | 3.572.210 | Cantonal banks |
1997 | Valiant Bank AG | 33.093.429 | Regional and savings banks |
1959 | VP Bank (Schweiz) AG | 2.298.472 | Foreign-controlled banks |
2006 | VZ Depotbank AG | 4.736.968 | Other banking institutions |
1934 | WIR Bank Genossenschaft | 5.700.613 | Other banking institutions |
2014 | Zähringer Privatbank AG | 191.492 | Stock exchange banks |
1892 | Zuger Kantonalbank | 16.915.496 | Cantonal banks |
1870 | Zürcher Kantonalbank | 187.620.393 | Cantonal banks |
1851 | Zürcher Landbank AG | 926.741 | Regional and savings banks |
Source: Swiss National Bank
Swiss banks categories
Banks in Switzerland are famous for their confidentiality (Swiss bank secrecy). Here you will find an overview of all 9 existing categories of Swiss banks. Furthermore, there are the 10 largest banks listed based on their total assets according to the balance sheets and the figures published by the Swiss National Bank SNB (update of the SNB on September 30th, 2021).
Swiss banks are divided into 9 categories:
- Big banks
- Other banking institutions
- Foreign-controlled banks
- Stock exchange banks
- Branches of foreign banks
- Cantonal banks
- Private bankers
- Raiffeisen banks
- Regional and savings banks
Distribution of Swiss bank categories
Big banks
There are 4 big banks only:
- UBS AG
- UBS (Switzerland) AG
- Credit Suisse AG
- Credit Suisse (Schweiz) AG
Other banking institutions
These are banks that cannot be classified in any other category (example: PostFinance AG)
Foreign-controlled banks
This includes banks that are owned by natural or legal persons resident or based abroad.
Stock exchange banks
Stock exchange banks are private banks for private clients offering wealth management services. They are companies limited by shares.
Branches of foreign banks
In contrast to foreign-controlled banks, they do not have their own legal personality as branches. They report to the parent company abroad.
Cantonal banks
They are public institutes of a Canton. Most of them have a state guarantee.
Private bankers
Private bankers are wealth managers with international private clients. They must be distinguished from private banks (= stock exchange banks). They are liable with their private assets (“skin in the game”) as a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or limited partnership.
There are private bankers who publicly recommend accepting money from others and others who don’t. The latter do not have to publish annual reports or interim balance sheets. There are only 5 of them.
Raiffeisen banks
They mainly operate the classic interest-rate business with mortgages and business loans nationwide. They accept customer funds. They are organized as cooperatives.
Regional and savings banks
They mainly operate the classic interest-rate business with mortgages and business loans on a regional basis. They accept customer funds. They are organized as stock corporations and partly also as cooperatives.
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🎞️ ⬇️Content of the Video⬇️
00:00 👉 The world is becoming more insecure
01:30 👉 Why Switzerland is attracting so much new money since Covid-19 crisis?
02:17 👉 Most countries are sinking deeper and deeper into insolvency
03:12 👉 How to circumvent Lebanese capital export restrictions?
04:14 👉 The last will be bitten by the dogs
04:27 👉 Capital export restriction are coming overnight – no announcement!
05:10 👉 Having a Swiss bank account is not illegal – hiding money is!
05:16 👉 How to circumvent OECD reporting obligations?
07:00 👉 How to tell if a bank is safe?
08:32 👉 Smart investors have a plan B
10:12 👉 The best asset managers of the world are located in Switzerland
11:04 👉 Why is the Swiss Franc so strong?
12:30 👉 Swiss asset managers achieve better results than banks
13:35 👉 Why you will make more money with your Swiss bank account?
14:25 👉 Since Covid-19, US investors are buying a second passport
15:00 👉 Here is the typical performance of a Swiss best in class asset manager
18:02 👉 A Swiss bank account guarantees a much better medical treatment
20:50 👉 Asset protection must take place before bad things take place
20:58 👉 Geographical diversification of assets is more important than diversification of investments
22:22 👉 How to avoid the risk of financial kidnapping?
23:20 👉 How secure are banks in Georgia?
Best Swiss Banks
1. UBS (United Bank of Switzerland) – Total assets shown in the balance sheet 2021: CHF 1,117.2 billion (Swiss francs)
UBS Group AG is the largest wealth management bank in the world, making it number one in the international private banking business dedicated to wealthy individuals. It is a universal bank (as is Credit Suisse). as one of the big banks, it offers all banking services, including commercial banking, asset management, corporate finance, and investment banking.
UBS employs more than 75,000 people in over 50 countries. It has headquarters in Zurich and Basel. It is involved in many scandals like many other banks in Switzerland. UBS has paid horrendous fines in the billions for tax evasion. Despite this, the company made a profit of almost 7.5 billion dollars in 2021.
2. Credit Suisse – Total assets 2021: CHF 799 billion
Credit Suisse is the second largest bank that offers all banking services (universal bank). Alfred Escher founded the bank on July 16, 1856, and it was formerly called Schweizerische Kreditanstalt. It has its headquarters in Zurich. With 50,000 employees, Credit Suisse has a global presence.
The good reputation of Credit Suisse diminished. The share has lost value. Investment bank activities will be reduced. Private banking will be more important. Nevertheless, the bank has a tier-one capital ratio of 13.5%. Arab investors from the Gulf region acquired large blocks slightly below 9,9% of shares at the end of October 2022. No doubt, they made a good deal!
3. Raiffeisen Switzerland Group – Total assets 2021: CHF 259.6 billion
The Raiffeisen Group takes over 3rd place in this list of the largest banks. Raiffeisenbank is the leader in the retail business. It has a local presence with 806 branches.
Strong ties with the population and a cooperative spirit have characterized these institutions for over 100 years. It has 3.6 million customers. The Group has 220 Raiffeisen branches organized as cooperatives.
4. Zurich Cantonal Bank (Zürcher Kantonalbank) – Total assets 2021: CHF 187.6 billion
Founded in 1870, Zurich Cantonal Bank is considered the safest bank in the world. It is one of the few banks with a AAA rating. As a non-private entity, the financial institution is owned by the Canton of Zurich with total assets of CHF 187.6 billion according to the balance-sheet 2021.
Zurich Cantonal Bank is known as ZKB. ZKB’s customers enjoy an unlimited state guarantee from the Canton of Zurich. All money of the clients in their Swiss bank accounts held with ZKB is protected by the government of the Canton of Zürich. This is unique in Swiss banking.
That is why ZKB is so popular. Foreign clients love ZKB even though it can be very difficult for non-resident clients to open a Swiss bank account with ZKB. ZKB is very selective with onboarding new clients. In contrast to the big banks, ZKB’s reputation is impeccable.
5. Postfinance – Total assets: CHF 117.2 billion
In 1906, a post office network was set up to handle payment transactions. The first postal checking account was opened in Basel. In 1920, the Swiss Post concludes agreements with the most important countries in Europe for transferring money. In 1988, electronic payments are launched with Telegiro PTT. Today, Postfinance has 2.6 million customers.
6. Bank Julius Bär & Co. – Total assets: CHF 100.5 billion
Bank Julius Bär & Co. Ltd. is a private bank founded in Zurich in 1890. As a classic wealth management bank, it manages nearly 500 billion client assets. Since 1980, the private bank has opened up to non-family investors.
Since 2005, the private bank is a listed public company, which belongs to the SMI (Swiss Market Index). Meanwhile, the Bär family holds less than 5% of the shares. It is considered the third largest asset management bank after UBS and Credit Suisse.
7. Entris Banks – Total assets CHF 61.8 billion
Of the 60 regional and savings banks, 35 are affiliated with the Entris Group. Most of the regional banks and savings banks were founded in the century before last. In 1971, they united as the Association of Swiss Regional Banks, thus creating an umbrella organization (VSRB).
8. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise – Total assets CHF 55.9 billion
Banque Cantonale Vaudoise was founded in 1845 with headquarters in Lausanne. It employs 1937 people and marks its local presence in the Canton of Vaud with 67 branches. It is one of the few cantonal banks that have no state guarantee.
9. Migros Bank – Total assets CHF 50.8 billion
Migros Bank is a company limited by shares founded in 1958 by Gottfried Duttweiler. Migros Bank has 76 branches spread all over Switzerland. It is very popular among the population. It is known for small loans at fair terms and conditions.
10. Basler Kantonalbank – Total assets CHF 35.8 billion
Basler Kantonalbank is a public law institution. The bank has a state guarantee from the Canton of Basel City and an AA+ rating from Standard & Poors. After Zurcher Cantonal Bank and Banque Cantonale Vaudoise, Basler Kantonalbank follows immediately as the third largest cantonal bank in Switzerland.
Swiss banks interest rates
How high are interest rates in Switzerland?
The key interest rate of the Swiss National Bank has been increased to 0.50% on September 22, 2022. Finally, the era of negative interest rates has ended.
Interest rates in Switzerland are at 0.0% on private Swiss bank accounts and 0.01% on savings accounts at most banks. According to surveys with the banking sector, a major interest rate hike is unlikely to come until next year. Of course, everything depends on the monetary policy of the SNB. The key interest rate is the interest rate at which the SNB concludes transactions with the banks.
Which bank has the best interest rates in Switzerland?
Luzerner Kantonalbank | 0,3% |
Cembra Money Bank | 0,25% |
Appenzeller Kantonalbank | 0,2% |
Migros Bank | 0,2% |
Bank WIR | 0,15% |
Banca dello Stato del Canton Ticino | 0,1% |
Bank Zimmerberg | 0,1% |
Are Swiss francs a good investment?
The Swiss franc is one of the most used escape currencies. In uncertain times, large fortunes from all over the world flowed to banks in Switzerland. The franc will appreciate against the euro (as he did in the past).
Because of the strong Swiss economy, the Swiss franc has proven to be one of the strongest currencies worldwide. Switzerland is considered a safe haven in the world of finance.
The Swiss franc is associated with low risk, high security, and stability, and protects from inflation and depreciation. Foreign investors like asset protection ensured by the Swiss government and Swiss banking law.
History proves it: Those who invest in Swiss francs win.
Swiss bank accounts are always multi-currency accounts as standard. This means that you get a separate IBAN for each currency under the same bank account number.
How high will interest rates rise in Switzerland?
How far interest rates will rise depends on the monetary policy of the Swiss National Bank. Let’s wait and see.
Major Swiss Banks
Largest banks in Switzerland by total assets (billions in CHF)
The total assets on the balance sheets of all banking institutions have increased, except for the big banks. UBS’s total assets are still above the trillion mark. Unfortunately, they diminished by 3.3% as a result of currency differences.
Credit Suisse’s problems also caused its total assets on the balance sheet to shrink by 7.7%. Among the 10 largest banks, Raiffeisen Switzerland has the largest increase in total assets by almost 10%. Raiffeisen group remains in third place, ahead of Zürcher Kantonalbank with 4.8% growth and Postfinance with 3.6% growth.
With one exception, the cantonal banks posted strong growth in total assets. Basler Kantonalbank lost 1.8% in total assets. It slipped from 8th to 10th place.
The private banks posted record growth. Lombard Odier leads the way with a 23.5% increase in total assets. Lombard Odier is followed by Safra Sarasin with 11.4% growth and Banque Pictet with 7.9% growth.
The world has become more uncertain. The Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine have given the banking sector record key figures.
Deposit insurance at banks in Switzerland
If a bank goes bankrupt, there is deposit insurance of up to CHF 100,000 on liquid assets. Furthermore, you can take out all your invested assets from the bankruptcy proceedings.
This means that the investments do not fall into the bankruptcy estate of the bank. Rather, the customer can separate his invested assets from the bankruptcy estate and save them from creditors. Of the 24 cantonal banks, 21 have an unlimited state guarantee.
An unlimited state guarantee means that all your assets (liquid and illiquid assets) in the bank account are 100% protected.
Rating Swiss banks
Many searches the web for a rating. By far not all banks in Switzerland have asked for a rating from expensive rating agencies. Many of them do without a rating.
In order to do a first assessment of the safety of a Swiss bank you must consider a few things.
We collected all the data, although it wasn’t easy. We put every bench through its paces.
However, even an accurate assessment can never replace a personal consultation.
Cantonal Banks – unique in Switzerland
Among the banks in Switzerland, there are 24 cantonal banks. They are locally linked to the territory. The first cantonal bank was founded in Geneva in 1816. Small and medium-sized companies are the backbone of the economy.
The cantonal banks have granted loans to SMEs amounting to CHF 161 billion (according to the SNB, as of December 2021).
For more information and figures, please see the cantonal banks subpage.
Swiss Private Banks
There are 102 private banks in Switzerland. These are banks that offer a bank account for private banking for high-net-worth individuals. The safest private banks operate a conservative business model.
Instead of engaging in lending, investment banking, and trading activities, they prefer to offer their clients only well-capitalized private banks that focus only on low-risk asset management.
Foreign private clients want to maintain the purchasing power of their assets. They find political and economic stability in Switzerland. They want their money to end up in safe hands.
I promise you: If you deposit your money with a private bank recommended by me, you will sleep much better in the future. Swiss private banks are the safest banks in the world.
You can find more information about swiss private banks on our page for private banks in Switzerland.
We give you access to the safest banks and help you open an account. Private bankers appreciate immensely when full professionals they trust bring in clients. Give me a call with no obligation. It’s never too early, but it’s often too late.
“Take your money out of your country before your country takes it out from you.”
Swiss Banks FAQ (frequently asked Question)
However, the best article and video can never replace a confidential consulting session with me, face-to-face at the table. Let’s find a private bank tailored to your needs and expectations.