Institutional independence
FINMA is an autonomous public-law entity, separate from the central Federal Administration. It is not subject to directives from the Federal Council or Parliament in its supervisory activities.
About us
FINMA at a glance: mandate, independence and organisation
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA is an independent institution under public law with its own legal personality, headquartered in Bern.
Introduction
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA is Switzerland’s independent financial-markets regulator. Its mandate is to protect creditors, investors and policyholders, and to ensure the proper functioning of the financial markets.
Through its supervisory activities, FINMA helps to strengthen the reputation and competitiveness of the Swiss financial centre, which is internationally recognised for its stability, integrity and transparency.
Applying a risk-based and proportionate approach, FINMA supervises banks, insurance companies, stock exchanges, securities dealers and collective investment schemes, ensuring compliance with financial market legislation.
Independence
FINMA enjoys threefold independence — institutional, functional and financial — enabling it to carry out its mandate impartially and professionally:
Functional independence
Supervisory decisions are taken autonomously by the Board of Directors and the Executive Board, free from political or industry interference.
Financial independence
FINMA is funded almost entirely by fees and levies charged to supervised entities, without burdening the federal budget.
Accountability and transparency
Despite its independence, FINMA is accountable to Parliament and the Federal Council, publishing a detailed annual report on its activities.
Legal mandate
FINMA's mandate is enshrined in the Financial Market Supervision Act (FINMASA) and focuses on three core objectives:
Creditor protection
Safeguards bank deposits and client claims with respect to supervised financial institutions.
Investor protection
Ensures transparency and fairness in securities markets, protecting those who invest in Swiss financial markets.
Policyholder protection
Supervises insurance companies to ensure they maintain adequate reserves and honour their commitments to policyholders.
Market functionality
Ensures the proper functioning of Swiss financial markets, promoting integrity, efficiency and systemic stability.
Organisation and governance
FINMA has a clear structure with well-defined responsibilities, ensuring professionalism, efficiency and accountability:
Board of Directors
Strategic and senior management body. Issues ordinances, decides on matters of fundamental importance and oversees the Executive Board.
Executive Board
Operational body responsible for day-to-day supervision, resource management and implementing the strategy approved by the Board.
Enforcement Committee
Handles enforcement measures, sanction proceedings and enforcement-related decisions.
Audit body
The Swiss Federal Audit Office reviews FINMA’s accounts and financial management annually, ensuring transparency.
Areas of activity
- 01
Licensing
Grants licences to banks, insurance companies and other financial intermediaries wishing to operate in Switzerland, verifying compliance with legal requirements.
- 02
Supervision
Continuously monitors supervised financial institutions using a risk-based and proportionate approach, calibrated according to the entity’s size and complexity.
- 03
Enforcement
Takes corrective measures, imposes sanctions and issues rulings when it detects violations of financial market laws or conduct contrary to regulations.
- 04
Regulation
Drafts ordinances and circulars that specify legal provisions, setting technical standards and minimum requirements for supervised entities.
- 05
International cooperation
Collaborates with foreign supervisory authorities and is an active member of key international bodies (FSB, Basel Committee, IAIS, IOSCO).
Strategy and objectives
FINMA regularly defines its strategic objectives, which are approved by the Federal Council. The current strategy focuses on supervising key risks, strengthening the financial centre, and embracing innovation.
FINMA promotes sensible and consistent supervision while supporting the Swiss financial sector’s capacity for innovation in digital transformation and emerging technologies.
- Risk-based and proportionate supervision: controls are calibrated according to the systemic relevance and risk profile of each supervised entity.
- Competitive financial centre: FINMA helps maintain attractive framework conditions by reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
- Innovation and digitalisation: FINMA supports the evolution of fintech, cryptocurrencies and new forms of financial intermediation.
In summary
FINMA is the independent authority overseeing the Swiss financial centre. Through its threefold independence — institutional, functional and financial — it ensures professional and impartial supervision.
By licensing, supervising, enforcing and cooperating internationally, FINMA protects creditors, investors and policyholders while contributing to the stability and reputation of the Swiss financial system.