Six Consecutive Years in the Global Top Ten
Only five countries worldwide have consistently ranked among the top ten since 2020 in one of the leading global rankings for financial regulation and transparency. What these countries have in common, and why Switzerland has been among them for six consecutive years, is highlighted by the new Global Financial Regulation, Transparency and Compliance Index (GFRTCI).
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In this article, Nina Michel, Policy Advisor for Regulation & Economics at Swiss Banking, analyzes the findings of the SFI study “Global Financial Regulation, Transparency, and Compliance Index.”
A Leading International Financial Centre with a Long Tradition
Over many decades, Switzerland has established itself as a leading centre for cross-border financial services. In particular, the Swiss financial centre holds a global leadership position in international wealth management. This strong position is built on several factors: the banks' high level of expertise, the international orientation of the financial centre, the institutions' capacity for innovation, and the trust placed in Swiss financial services and the Swiss financial centre.
Quality of the Business Environment as a Competitive Advantage
Switzerland's strong international standing in terms of institutional framework conditions is reflected in the Global Financial Regulation, Transparency and Compliance Index (GFRTCI), published by the Swiss Finance Institute (SFI) in July 2026. Switzerland ranks among the global leaders and is one of only a few countries to achieve top scores for the quality of its regulation, transparency, integrity and compliance with international standards.
The result confirms what has long been an important consideration for international clients choosing Switzerland as a financial centre: banking services are provided in a reliable and internationally recognised environment. Sound framework conditions do not replace the performance of banks, but they enable institutions to leverage their strengths in international competition.
Financial Services Are Among Switzerland's Most Important Exports
The significant economic value generated by the financial centre for the Swiss economy is demonstrated by BAK Economics' annual study on the importance of the Swiss financial centre.
In 2024 and 2025, Swiss banks exported financial services worth approximately CHF 24 billion per year. With a share of 14.7%, financial services are among Switzerland's most important export categories.
The Swiss services balance further highlights this importance. Financial services have been by far the largest and most stable contributor to Switzerland's services balance since 2016, significantly outperforming tourism, insurance and business services. In particular, they generate the highest surplus of all service categories. This inflow of capital supports favourable financing conditions for the Swiss economy and contributes significantly to the country's prosperity.Switzerland is especially strong in cross-border wealth management, where it continues to hold a leading position worldwide.
It is particularly noteworthy that financial services are primarily based on expertise, experience and client relationships. The industry's most important resource is therefore not a physical product, but trust. Swiss banks have built this trust over generations and continue to uphold it successfully in international competition.
Financial services have been the largest and most stable contributor to Switzerland's services balance since 2016, significantly outperforming travel, insurance and consulting services.
Trust Remains the Most Important Currency
In a period marked by ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and increasing fragmentation of the global economy, these strengths are more valuable than ever. Switzerland benefits from its political stability, strong institutions and internationally recognised regulatory framework. Together, these factors form the foundation that enables Swiss banks to successfully serve clients around the world.
The success of the Swiss financial centre cannot be attributed to a single factor. Rather, it is the result of the interplay between banks operating domestically and internationally, deep expertise, innovative strength and reliable framework conditions. The GFRTCI demonstrates that Switzerland is also exceptionally well positioned in the latter area. Together, these strengths provide the basis for Swiss banks to successfully export their services around the world.