Mission Statement

In pursuing this vision, we systematically focus on the following aspects:  

• Competitive frameworks: We are committed to supporting entrepreneurial freedom, open markets and competitive frameworks that create scope for innovation and growth. 
• International growth: We make the Swiss financial centre more competitive globally while upholding traditional Swiss values such as quality, stability, legal certainty and openness to the world. 
• A strong, diverse banking sector: We promote an innovative and diverse banking sector that contributes to a thriving and open national economy. 
• Training and professional development: We help bank staff to develop their specialist skills, support academic research and teaching in banking and finance and promote executive education – in particular through the Swiss Finance Institute, a foundation funded by the SBA, our members and SIX Group.  
• Financial expertise and dialogue: We share knowledge about financial services and the financial centre’s importance for the economy and society.  

The following principles guide us towards fulfilling our mission: 

• Effective lobbying: Through open and constructive dialogue with politicians, authorities and the general public as well as intensive networking with friendly associations and institutions in the world’s leading financial centres, we lobby effectively on behalf of the banking sector and play an active role in shaping the relevant frameworks. In doing so, we enhance the Swiss banks’ business prospects. 
• Responsible governance: We campaign for a liberal but socially responsible economic order that adequately serves the interests of all stakeholder groups. We adhere to the very highest industry standards for responsible, professional governance in everything we do. 
• Customer focus: Our self-regulation lays down strict standards in terms of professionalism, business conduct and the avoidance of conflicts of interest. Customers’ needs as well as those of our members are always taken into account. 
• Protecting privacy and the integrity of the financial system: We defend the right to privacy, which applies universally in Switzerland and is an obligation for the country’s banks. At the same time, we are committed to combating misuse of the financial system and work together with authorities in the context of judicial and administrative assistance. 
• International standards and robust supervision: We support regulation that is compatible with internationally recognised standards and an effective supervisory authority that operates on equal terms with the world leaders in the field. International standards should be implemented rigorously, not in isolation but through coordination with key rival financial centres to preserve Switzerland’s competitiveness. 
• Paramount importance of self-regulation: We favour self-regulation over state regulation wherever it produces equivalent or better results. We firmly believe in the Swiss principle of self-regulation enforced by FINMA.