Recently, Switzerland adopted a new DLT Regulations which sets the country as a leader in FinTech, Blockchain, DLT Technologies and other related programs. The new regulations will enter into force starting from this year.
From January 1, 2020. The Swiss Financial Institutions Act (FinIA) and the Swiss Financial Services Act (FinSA) entered into force, updating the regulatory regime for trustees working in Switzerland. This means that all independent portfolio managers (PMs) and trustees subject to supervision under FinIA will have to be supervised by a Supervised organisations (SO) authorised by FINMA and get licensed by FINMA before they can be able to carry out their activities as financial intermediaries in Switzerland.
The calculation of the tax rates in Switzerland is based on the net income of the taxpayer. Like in most other European countries, there are several tax deductions that can be made when a tax declaration is filed in Switzerland. These will reduce the taxable income and consequently the value of tax that needs to be paid diminishes significantly.
The Swiss banking sector is key in strengthening the swiss economy. Switzerland is well known for its diversified financial services, privacy and sophistication. Swiss banks are actively engaged in a range of activities, in relation with both the private and commercial domain. At present, Switzerland is one of the leading countries in private banking.
Despite Switzerland having one of the best business environments in the world, some businesses still find themselves having to shut down their Swiss operations for various reasons. Such circumstances are usually a result of mismanagement of the company, bankruptcy, disputes or loss of interest by the investors among many other reasons. The Swiss government has put in place several laws and regulations that apply to companies undergoing insolvency and closure. These rules address issues such as the responsibilities of directors and mechanisms to utilise when declaring bankruptcy.
The Swiss government supports a very attractive business environment through economic measures to encourage foreign investors to open companies or their subsidiaries in Switzerland.
The Swiss economy is, according to the ratings made by international specialized institutions, among the most competitive, innovative and liberal. The main features that give Switzerland a privileged business environment, tailored to high- quality products and services are the excellent level of security offered by business law, long-term stability of the investment framework, full guarantee of property rights, fair competition, and banking secrecy.
Switzerland and other third countries meet all criteria for an unlimited extension of stock market equivalence and this is the best solution for all affected market players in Switzerland, the Federal Council stated in a press release.
