Reporting requirements for foreign activities

Banks and securities firms must inform SFMA before they establish operations outside Switzerland and also when these operations undergo significant changes or are closed down.

This SFMA page gives applicants and supervised institutions a practical view of the reporting requirements for foreign activities 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.

Factors triggering a report

This section explains how factors triggering a report affects the reporting requirements for foreign activities 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.

Reporting changes and / or closure of foreign operations

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.

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.