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.
National adjustments to protect the financial centre and combat money laundering
The Federal Council continually strives to increase transparency and combat money laundering and financing of terrorism. Work is currently under way to adapt the statutory basis that protects the financial centre. The proposal includes the introduction of a federal register of beneficial owners of legal entities, due diligence requirements for particularly high-risk activities in the legal professions and other measures necessary to combat money laundering and terrorist financing more effectively. The proposed measures are in line with the requirements of international standards.
On 15 October 2025, the Federal Council launched the consultation on draft legislation to combat money laundering. Under the proposed legislation details of the register of beneficial owners and the extension of the Anti-Money Laundering Act to cover certain consultancy activities will be defined at ordinance level. The consultation will last until 30 January 2026.
For more on the specific measures from the bill, see: Strengthening the fight against money laundering: Measures
Coordinating group
The Interdepartmental Coordination 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.