Our commitment
The Swiss banking sector is constantly evolving: digitalisation, new regulatory requirements and changing customer expectations shape everyday life. This makes a strong, future-proof educational landscape all the more important. Swiss Banking is taking responsibility in this area – both in vocational training and at the level of further education.
Responsibility in vocational training
As an industry association, we shape the framework conditions for basic commercial training in the banking sector, which affects around 3,000 apprentices. We define standards such as the body of knowledge for inter-company courses and the guidelines for the qualification process. We ensure the quality of training and coordinate the chief experts within the industry. We are currently preparing around 800 examination experts from the banking sector for the new qualification procedure, which will apply from summer 2026 in accordance with the 2023 Education Ordinance (BiVo23).
As one of 19 industries, we are also involved in the ‘Bildung Kaufleute Schweiz’ (BIKAS) vocational training programme. We help shape the further development of the EFZ commercial clerk profession both on the board and in various departments and working groups. This is done in the interests of the banks on the one hand, and to increase the attractiveness of vocational training in Switzerland on the other.
Together with the working group on basic banking education, in which all banking groups are represented, we are driving forward the further development of banking apprenticeships. Swiss Banking is also actively involved in the further development of education and vocational training at national level – as a member of the education commissions of the Swiss Employers' Association and economiesuisse.
As an industry association, we are responsible for the ‘BEM – Bankeinstieg nach Matura’ programme. Swiss Banking lays down the guidelines for duration, content and quality standards, thereby ensuring the attractiveness of career entry. Around 300 people complete the BEM programme each year.
Career start
The SBA supports banks in recruiting new talent. Interested parties can find out about training opportunities at banks on the Startnow platform. To strengthen the industry's presence, the SBA provides a trade fair stand at vocational training fairs. It offers a platform for addressing potential apprentices and presenting banks as attractive employers.
Quality through certification
Our certification system for practical trainers offers banks a powerful tool for quality assurance. Certification increases the employability of staff and supports the employer branding of institutions. At the same time, practical trainers receive valuable recognition for their commitment.
Swiss Banking Academy – Continuing education for professionals
The demands placed on specialists and managers are constantly increasing. Our Swiss Banking Academy offers practical seminars and webinars on current topics such as regulatory developments, digital transformation and sustainable finance – compact, understandable and directly applicable. This ensures that you and your team stay at the forefront of the industry.
Shaping the future together
Education is key to the competitiveness of Swiss banks. Swiss Banking provides impetus, promotes exchange between banks and educational institutions, and enhances the quality of training. Only through the shared responsibility of all stakeholders – banks, associations, politicians – can we ensure that we have highly trained professionals who actively shape change.