Financial Crime World

Reporting Financial Crime in Switzerland: A Guide

In Switzerland, the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is responsible for supervising and enforcing laws related to financial markets. If you suspect or witness any financial crime, it’s essential to report it to the relevant authorities. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to report financial crime in Switzerland.

Understanding FINMA’s Role

What is FINMA?

FINMA is an independent regulator that oversees the Swiss financial market. Its main objectives are to protect investors and maintain financial stability. The agency has three key areas of focus:

  • Authorisation: Ensuring that financial institutions operate with the necessary licence or permit
  • Supervision: Regulating the financial market to prevent unfair practices
  • Enforcement tools: Using coercive measures to enforce supervisory law

Reporting Financial Crime

If you suspect or witness any financial crime, such as money laundering, insider trading, or unauthorised activities, you can report it to FINMA. You can also contact the Swiss Federal Police (Bundespolizei) or the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Types of Financial Crime

FINMA deals with a range of financial crimes, including:

  • Unauthorised activities: operating without the necessary licence or permit
  • Market supervision: regulating the financial market to prevent unfair practices
  • Enforcement tools: using coercive measures to enforce supervisory law

Enforcement Report and Warning List

FINMA publishes an enforcement report that provides anonymised case studies of its enforcement activities. The agency also maintains a warning list of companies and individuals that may be operating without the necessary authorisation.

Documenting Financial Crime

When reporting financial crime, it’s essential to provide detailed documentation, including:

  • Evidence of the alleged crime
  • Contact information for witnesses or victims
  • Any relevant records or documents

Making a Report

To report financial crime in Switzerland, you can contact FINMA directly or use one of the following channels:

  • Phone: 031 322 31 11 (available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm)
  • Email: info@finma.ch
  • Online form: available on the FINMA website

Additional Resources

FINMA publishes an annual report and financial statements that provide insights into its supervisory activities. The agency also offers a range of resources, including brochures and guides, to help you understand its role and responsibilities.

By reporting financial crime in Switzerland, you can help protect investors and maintain financial stability. Remember to document any evidence and contact FINMA or the relevant authorities as soon as possible.