A robust and comprehensive framework to prevent money laundering and financial crime is vital to a stable financial centre. The SBA therefore welcomes the proposals put forward by the Federal Council. They target two areas where the SBA has been calling for action: closing gaps in Switzerland’s existing anti-money laundering framework, and aligning the Swiss legal requirements for beneficial owners with international standards. With the Federal Council’s proposals, Switzerland is taking a further major step to secure the integrity of its financial centre. The SBA will examine the proposal in detail and play an active role in formulating the specifics of implementation. “The introduction of a central register of beneficial owners of companies and bringing advisors within the scope of the Anti-Money Laundering Act are an important step for the Swiss financial centre and will further strengthen Switzerland’s framework for combating financial crime and money laundering”, says Roman Studer, CEO of the SBA.

Innovation is the backbone of Switzerland's global competitiveness. However, with some innovation statistics indicating a significant decline in the proportion of companies in Switzerland involved in research and development, a new study by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation has been initiated. The study aims to identify sectoral innovation models and their implications for Swiss innovation policy. The SBA supports the study for the financial services industry, together with partner associations SFTI and SVV.

Switzerland is one of the most competitive countries in the world. Commercially successful innovation activities are an essential part of this achievement. However, innovation statistics have shown a significant decline in the proportion of companies in Switzerland involved in research and development (R&D) for several years.