Integrity of the financial centre
Switzerland attaches great importance to being a clean financial centre. It has an effective system of measures in place to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation, and implements this system consistently.
Illegal financial flows undermine a financial sector's integrity. They prevent sustainable growth and fuel crime, terrorism and corruption at home and abroad. It is thus crucial for Switzerland to keep its financial centre clean and to consistently protect it from abuse. It works to ensure this at the international level as well.
Protect the financial centre and combat money laundering
The Federal Council continually strives to increase transparency and combat money laundering and financing of terrorism. In March 2026, the Federal Council approved the strategy on combating money laundering and terrorist financing. With this first-ever comprehensive overview, the Federal Council is strengthening the framework, which will continue to protect the integrity of the Swiss financial centre in years to come.
Federal Council approves strategy on combating money laundering and terrorist financing
The latest draft legislation on combating money laundering includes the introduction of a federal register of beneficial owners of legal entities, due diligence obligations for high-risk activities within the legal profession, and other measures necessary to combat money laundering and terrorist financing more effectively. The proposed measures comply with international standards.
Anti-Money Laundering
Coordinating group
The interdepartmental coordinating group on combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing (CGMF), established by the Federal Council in 2013, coordinates work in this area. It is also responsible for continuously assessing the risks associated with money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. To this end, the CGMF published its first report on the national assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing risks (NRA) in June 2015 and its second report in October 2021:
1st National report on risks of money laundering and terrorist financing (June 2015)
2nd National report on risks of money laundering and terrorist financing (Octobre 2021)
The CGMF also publishes regularly analyses of money laundering and terrorist financing risks in various areas (see below: "Further information" > "Reports"). Further analytical reports are being prepared.
International cooperation to ensure the integrity of the Swiss financial centre
Switzerland actively participates internationally in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. In particular, it plays an active part in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
The FATF member states' compliance with the FATF standards is regularly evaluated. The FATF evaluated Switzerland for the fourth time in 2016. Although the FATF acknowledged the overall good quality of the Swiss system, it identified certain shortcomings and made corresponding recommendations. Switzerland will undergo its next country examination by the FATF in 2026–2027.