Managers of collective assets

Anyone who manages collective investment schemes or assets of occupational pensions schemes on a commercial basis must be authorised by SFMA. If a foreign manager of collective assets employs staff in Switzerland who permanently manage collective investment schemes or the assets of occupational pension schemes in or from Switzerland on a professional basis, they must obtain prior authorisation from SFMA before establishing a branch.

This SFMA page gives applicants and supervised institutions a practical view of the managers of collective assets topic. It explains when a licence, approval, notification or registration may be needed, what information should be prepared, and which changes may require contact with the authority.

Management of the assets of occupational pension schemes

This section explains how management of the assets of occupational pension schemes affects the managers of collective assets authorisation or registration topic. The relevant facts should be documented in a way that allows SFMA to understand the legal basis, operating responsibilities and supervisory implications.

Authorisation requirements

The review focuses on whether the applicant is organised in a way that is suitable for managers of collective assets within the Asset management area. SFMA will normally look at governance, financial resources, responsible persons, risk controls, compliance arrangements, auditability, outsourcing and whether the planned activity can be carried out without creating avoidable risks for clients, investors, policyholders or market integrity.

Exceptional authorisation requirement as asset manager

Role of managers of collective assets

The practical role of managers of collective assets should be described clearly in the application file. This includes the services performed, the counterparties involved, the assets or products affected, decision-making responsibilities and the way records, reporting and controls are maintained after authorisation.

Changes in circumstances

Material changes should be assessed before implementation. Changes in ownership, management, organisation, business activity, documents, outsourcing, risk models or the decision to stop a licensed activity can require prior approval or notification. Applicants and licence holders should keep the authorisation basis aligned with their actual operating model.

Cessation of an activity for which a licence is required

Information and templates

Applications should be submitted with the current forms, declarations and supporting documents required for the activity. A complete file usually shortens the review because the authority can assess the business model, responsible persons, financial position, internal rules and legal basis without repeated follow-up questions.

Preparing a complete file

Applicants should keep the submission concise but complete: describe the activity, legal structure, people responsible, control framework, financial resources, relevant documents and any cross-border elements. Where uncertainty remains, the issue should be highlighted early rather than left to emerge during review.