Switzerland has approximately 240 banks operating under FINMA licences. This list covers the most significant institutions by category — from the systemically important UBS through the 24 cantonal banks, the major private banks, and the specialist fintech and crypto banks. All institutions listed are FINMA-regulated banks unless otherwise noted.
For an explanation of how these institutions fit together, see our guide to the Swiss banking system.
Big Banks
Switzerland’s G-SIB category now contains a single institution following the 2023 forced merger of Credit Suisse into UBS.
| Bank | Headquarters | AUM / Balance Sheet | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| UBS | Zurich | ~USD 3.5 trillion AUM | Universal banking, wealth management, investment banking |
UBS is Switzerland’s sole global systemically important bank (G-SIB). Following the absorption of Credit Suisse in 2023, UBS manages approximately USD 3.5 trillion in invested assets and operates in 50+ countries. In Switzerland, UBS provides full retail, commercial, and investment banking services. Internationally, it is the world’s largest private wealth manager.
Cantonal Banks (Kantonalbanken)
The 24 cantonal banks are majority-owned by their respective cantons and carry a state guarantee (Staatsgarantie) in most cantons. This makes them among the safest banks in the world by credit quality.
| Bank | Canton | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| ZKB (Zuercher Kantonalbank) | Zurich | Largest cantonal bank; wealth management, full retail |
| Zuger Kantonalbank | Zug | Specialists for international and corporate clients in Zug |
| BCG (Banque Cantonale de Geneve) | Geneva | Major retail and private banking in Geneva |
| BCV (Banque Cantonale Vaudoise) | Vaud | Dominant bank in Vaud canton |
| Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB) | Basel-Landschaft | Regional retail and SME |
| Basler Kantonalbank (BKB) | Basel-Stadt | Retail, SME, and private clients |
| Aargauische Kantonalbank (AKB) | Aargau | Full-service cantonal bank |
| St. Galler Kantonalbank (SGKB) | St. Gallen | Retail and SME, listed on SIX |
| Luzerner Kantonalbank (LUKB) | Lucerne | Largest bank in Lucerne canton |
| Berner Kantonalbank (BEKB) | Berne | Retail, mortgages, full cantonal coverage |
| Graubuendner Kantonalbank (GKB) | Graubuenden | Regional; listed on SIX |
| Thurgauer Kantonalbank (TKB) | Thurgau | Retail and SME |
| Schwyzer Kantonalbank (SZKB) | Schwyz | Retail and private clients |
| Obwaldner Kantonalbank (OKB) | Obwalden | Small cantonal bank |
| Nidwaldner Kantonalbank (NKB) | Nidwalden | Small cantonal bank |
| Urner Kantonalbank (URK) | Uri | Smallest cantonal bank |
| Appenzeller Kantonalbank (APK) | Appenzell IR | Regional |
| Glarner Kantonalbank (GLKB) | Glarus | Regional; digital mortgage provider |
| Schaffhauser Kantonalbank (SHKB) | Schaffhausen | Regional retail |
| Walliser Kantonalbank (WKB) | Valais | Bilingual (DE/FR) canton |
| Banque Cantonale du Jura (BCJ) | Jura | French-speaking canton |
| Banque Cantonale Neuchateloise (BCN) | Neuchatel | Full retail in Neuchatel |
| Banque Cantonale Fribourgeoise (BCF) | Fribourg | Bilingual canton |
| Banque Cantonale du Valais | Valais | see WKB above |
Raiffeisen Group
Raiffeisen Switzerland is the umbrella cooperative for approximately 220 independent Raiffeisen banks. It is Switzerland’s third-largest banking group by balance sheet. Raiffeisen focuses on retail mortgages, savings, and payment services for private clients and small businesses. Individual Raiffeisen banks are cooperative societies — their clients are members and co-owners.
Private Banks (Wealth Management)
Swiss private banks serve high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients. Minimum investment thresholds typically range from CHF 500’000 to CHF 2’000’000+.
| Bank | Headquarters | AUM | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pictet & Cie | Geneva | ~CHF 700 billion | Partnership (private) |
| Lombard Odier | Geneva | ~CHF 300 billion | Partnership (private) |
| Julius Baer | Zurich | ~CHF 400 billion | Listed (BAER.SW) |
| Vontobel | Zurich | ~CHF 230 billion | Listed (VONN.SW) |
| EFG International | Geneva/Zurich | ~CHF 150 billion | Listed (EFGN.SW) |
| Union Bancaire Privee (UBP) | Geneva | ~CHF 150 billion | Private |
| Mirabaud | Geneva | ~CHF 35 billion | Partnership |
| Bordier & Cie | Geneva | ~CHF 20 billion | Partnership |
| Banque Syz | Geneva | ~CHF 30 billion | Private |
| Reyl & Cie | Geneva | ~CHF 15 billion | Private |
Note on partnerships: Geneva-based private banks (Pictet, Lombard Odier, Mirabaud, Bordier) operate as unlimited partnerships (Societe en commandite) — partners carry unlimited personal liability. This structure signals long-term alignment with client interests.
For details on accessing private banking in Switzerland as a non-resident, see our dedicated guide.
Retail / Consumer Banks (Non-Cantonal)
| Bank | Parent | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| PostFinance | Swiss Post | Retail payments, savings, investment funds |
| Cembra Money Bank | Listed (CMBN.SW) | Consumer credit, credit cards |
| Migros Bank | Migros (cooperative) | Retail banking for Migros customers |
Foreign Banks Operating in Switzerland
Switzerland hosts approximately 80 foreign bank subsidiaries and branches.
| Bank | Parent Country | Swiss Focus |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) | UK | Private banking |
| Deutsche Bank (Schweiz) | Germany | Corporate and private banking |
| BNP Paribas (Suisse) | France | Corporate, investment, private banking |
| J.P. Morgan (Suisse) | USA | Private banking, investment banking |
| Goldman Sachs Bank | USA | Investment banking |
| Credit Agricole (Suisse) | France | Private and corporate banking |
| Societe Generale Private Banking | France | Private banking |
| Standard Chartered | UK | Trade finance, corporate |
Crypto / Digital Asset Banks
Switzerland has licenced the world’s first regulated crypto-asset banks under the Banking Act.
| Bank | Headquarters | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| SEBA Bank (now AMINA Bank) | Zug | Crypto asset banking, institutional |
| Sygnum Bank | Zurich | Crypto banking, tokenisation, regulated exchange |
Both AMINA and Sygnum hold full FINMA banking licences and offer institutional custody, trading, and banking services for digital assets alongside fiat banking. For businesses in the digital asset space, see our guide to crypto licensing in Switzerland.
Investment Banks
| Bank | Headquarters | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Zuercher Kantonalbank Markets | Zurich | Swiss capital markets |
| Mirabaud Securities | Geneva | Swiss and European equities |
| Baader Bank | Zurich branch | German/Swiss market making |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Swiss bank is safest for deposits?
All Swiss banks are protected up to CHF 100’000 per depositor per bank through esisuisse. Cantonal banks with state guarantees (Staatsgarantie) provide additional implicit protection. ZKB (Zurich) and the other large cantonal banks are widely considered the safest for Swiss retail deposits.
How many banks are in Switzerland?
Approximately 240 banks hold FINMA banking licences in Switzerland as of 2026. This is down from a peak of over 600 in the 1990s, reflecting decades of consolidation.
Which Swiss banks accept non-residents?
Non-residents can open accounts at several cantonal banks, private banks (with sufficient assets), and specialist international banks. Our Swiss bank account for non-residents guide covers this in detail.
What is the largest bank in Switzerland?
UBS is the largest bank in Switzerland and one of the largest in the world, with approximately USD 3.5 trillion in invested assets. It became significantly larger after absorbing Credit Suisse in 2023.
Are cantonal banks safer than UBS?
Cantonal banks with a state guarantee (Staatsgarantie) offer an additional layer of deposit protection that UBS does not. The canton itself guarantees deposits, making cantonal banks effectively backed by cantonal government credit. Both UBS and cantonal banks are FINMA-regulated and part of the esisuisse scheme.
Which Swiss banks offer corporate accounts for foreign-owned companies?
Most cantonal banks in internationally oriented cantons (Zug, Zurich, Geneva) accept corporate accounts for foreign-owned Swiss companies. The specific bank selection depends on the business type, ownership structure, and countries involved. Lawsupport matches each client to the most suitable institution.
Do Swiss private banks accept new clients?
Yes, though Swiss private banks are selective. Minimum asset thresholds of CHF 500’000–2’000’000 apply, and most private banks prefer introductions through existing clients or professional advisers. The relationship is advisory and long-term in nature.
What is the difference between a cantonal bank and a private bank?
Cantonal banks are state-owned institutions focused on retail banking, mortgages, and SME lending for their canton’s residents and businesses. Private banks are independently owned institutions focused exclusively on wealth management for high-net-worth individuals. Their client bases, service models, and minimum thresholds are fundamentally different.
Are there Swiss banks specialising in cryptocurrency?
Yes. AMINA Bank (formerly SEBA Bank) in Zug and Sygnum Bank in Zurich are both FINMA-licenced banks specialising in digital assets. They offer custody, trading, and banking services for institutional and corporate clients in the crypto space.
Which Swiss bank should I choose for my business?
The right bank depends on your business type, ownership structure, expected transaction volumes, and the countries you operate in. Cantonal banks suit most SMEs with Swiss operations. Specialist banks serve niche sectors. Lawsupport helps clients identify and apply to the most appropriate institution based on their specific profile.
Request a Free Assessment
Looking for the right Swiss bank for your company? Morgan Hartley, Senior Corporate Lawyer & Partner at Lawsupport, reviews your situation and sets out the steps needed — without obligation.
Lawsupport (Morgan Hartley Consulting) Grafenauweg 4, Zug, Switzerland +41 44 51 52 592 [email protected]