FINMA, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, has released a new circular titled “Nature-related financial risks” that outlines supervisory expectations for banks and insurers regarding climate and nature-related financial risk management. The circular aims to enhance institutional resilience and protect both clients and the Swiss financial sector. The implementation follows […]
In 2024, Transparency International made a significant stride towards combating political corruption by introducing comprehensive new standards aimed at purifying and equalizing the financial landscape of global politics. This landmark initiative comes at a critical moment, coinciding with what has been dubbed the largest electoral year in human history. The […]
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision convened in November 2024 to address critical developments in global banking regulation and risk management. Their meeting centered on several key strategic areas that have significant implications for the international financial system. A primary focus was the unanimous reaffirmation of implementing Basel III, a […]
The circular on the rules of conduct under the FinSA provides information on the supervisory practice as regards informing clients so that they can make informed investment decisions. For example, clients should be informed about the type of financial service, the associated risks and the compensation received from third parties. […]
Since September 1, 2024, cold calling has been banned by law for insurance intermediaries in Switzerland. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) has already received over 100 reports of violations. In the private supplementary health insurance sector, FINMA is responsible for penalizing violations of the cold calling ban and […]
The European Anti-Money Laundering Authority’s (AMLA) has just launched its official LinkedIn channel. AMLA is the EU agency on FIU coordination and AML/CFT supervision, working for a safer and more transparent financial system. This new communication channel should enhance cooperation between Member States authorities and improving the consistency of anti-money […]
The European Council has adopted a new regulation on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating activities designed to enhance transparency, consistency, and investor confidence in sustainable financial products. Key Objectives: Scope and Requirements: ESG ratings assess a company’s or financial instrument’s sustainability profile by evaluating its environmental and societal impact […]
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA has published its annual Risk Monitor. This document highlights the currently most significant risks for supervised institutions from FINMA’s perspective and describes the resulting focus of its supervisory activities. The 2024 Risk Monitor identifies nine main risks, both financial and non-financial. In times […]
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) has developed a comprehensive strategic framework for 2025-2028 that responds to the increasingly complex global financial landscape. At its core, FINMA’s strategy is designed to protect financial market participants while ensuring the stability and integrity of the Swiss financial system. The strategy emerges […]
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) has undertaken a significant regulatory restructuring concerning audit oversight. This comprehensive revision involves transitioning existing audit regulations from Circular 2013/3 “Auditing” into a new Regulatory Auditing Ordinance, which fulfills legal requirements under the Financial Market Supervision Act. The primary motivation behind this revision […]
