Switzerland is traditionally considered one of the leading international financial centres. Behind this image lies a developed banking system, an active capital control market and complex legal systems for investors and organizations that provide economic services. This specific feature of the economy also gives rise to increased risks of abuse: from concealing the origin of assets to cross-border movement of funds using complex schemes.
Combating the financing of terrorism and financial crime prevention are regulated by a set of laws and regulations. The basis for this is the Federal Law on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, which has undergone significant changes in recent years with the aim of increasing transparency and improving the effectiveness of controls.
The main enforcement and supervisory authorities within the framework of AML are:
This institutional framework is designed to ensure continuous monitoring of conformity with AML requirements at all levels of the financial sector.
Extension of requirements for disclosure of ultimate beneficial persons
Among the most significant changes was the tightening of requirements for identifying and registering ultimate beneficial persons of legal entities. In 2025, enhanced disclosure obligations were introduced, aimed at reducing the possibility of using corporate entities to conceal true holders.
Law on transparency of permitted entities and identification of beneficial owners is expected to come into force in the second half of 2026. It furnishes a centralized federal register of beneficial owners, which is mandatory for a wide range of permitted entities. Companies are required to identify, document and update data on beneficial persons, and then register them within a specified period.
Strengthening comprehensive check and consumer monitoring obligations
Swiss AML regulations require financial intermediaries to significantly expand their comprehensive check procedures. In particular:
These measures are aimed at early detection of atypical schemes and reducing the likelihood of manipulation of complex corporate structures.
Crypto industry and government regulation
With the growing popularity of digital assets and their use for international transfers, financial crime prevention rules have also been applied to cryptocurrencies.
Now, crypto exchanges, crypto wallet services, and other companies working with crypto assets are required to comply with strict requirements:
This shows that financial crime prevention systems had to be adapted to the specifics of blockchain technology to prevent cryptocurrencies from being used to circumvent the law.
Strengthening accountability and sanctions
Swiss regulators have significantly increased fines and penalties for AML violations. Organisations that fail to meet their operational observation obligations may face heavy financial penalties, reputational risks and restrictions on their activities.
Thus, in 2025, there were cases of significant sanctions being imposed, including on major international financial organisations, such as Morgan Stanley being fined CHF 1 million for insufficient control of operations related to corruption.
Reputational risks and competitive pressure
Stronger anti-money laundering rules will help make your economic system more transparent and secure. You should bear in mind that there are some concerns in Swiss political circles that excessive regulation could create other difficulties for businesses. In the event of high requirements and reporting, the costs of banks and other financial institutions will be higher.
Certain legal representatives believe that such an outcome could weaken Switzerland’s position on the international stage. Singapore and the UAE are good examples of this, as regulation there is considered to be more flexible. In this case, it is really important for Swiss financial institutions to find a balance between strict compliance with the rules and maintaining their appeal to consumers.
Furthermore, reputation remains a decisive factor in any case. After all, any conflict related to money laundering can be decisive in terms of the trust of your investors and partners. It is for this reason that many organisations insist that AML requirements are not only obligations for them, but also an opportunity to protect themselves and their organisation.
Partnership on the international stage
The international aspect is becoming increasingly prominent in financial crime. It is becoming much more difficult to investigate such schemes alone in a timely manner, as money moves quickly between countries. This is why Switzerland’s involvement is becoming more important in the fight against financial crime at the international level.
Discussions are underway regarding modern forms of cooperation with foreign regulators and law enforcement agencies. The discussions cover information exchange and the possibility of participating in international coordination centres. Such centres track illegal financial flows and are known for their fight against corruption. This method makes it possible to quickly determine dangers and influence them.
New horizons in the fight against money laundering
Anti-money laundering system in Switzerland is becoming more stringent. Closer alignment with international standards will take place in 2026. Regulatory authorities are focusing on increasing the transparency of ownership structures and extending regulations to the cryptocurrency sector. Another important step will be the creation of a more detailed consumer verification process for the entire period of cooperation.
In addition, a tougher approach awaits violators. Sanctions and other penalties should be more tangible. In this case, non-compliance with the rules will not be considered an acceptable situation.
This outcome will mean that all market participants will need to make constant changes. Financial institutions will need to review their internal procedures and devote more time to Conformity. It`s also fundamental to invest in timely monitoring processes. This will become an integral part of a resilient and responsible business in circumstances where enhanced supervision prevails.
The 2026 updates introduce stricter comprehensive check requirements, enhanced reporting obligations, and expanded oversight of virtual assets. Economical institutions must execute more strong risk assessments and compliance procedures to align with the new rules.
Ordinances apply to banks, economical intermediaries, insurance companies, and other entities handling financial transactions. Certain businesses trading with virtual assets or unsafe clients are also subject to enhanced compliance obligations.
Companies should update their AML policies, train staff on the new demands, implement stronger monitoring systems, and conduct regular internal audits. Early preparation helps avoid penalties and ensures adherence to Swiss law.
Failure to correspond with updated AML regulations can consequence in significant fines, reputational damage, and, in severe cases, criminal liability for company management. Swiss authorities have emphasized stricter enforcement under the 2026 framework.
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