Access our invaluable legal and regulatory expertise and strategic guidance for growth in the financial sector.

Legal and regulatory services for banks, securities firms and FinTech enterprises

PwC’s legal services for FinTech, blockchain and digital assets

The current regulatory landscape

Navigating the continuously evolving landscape of financial market regulations poses a considerable challenge for financial institutions globally. With regulators and supervisory bodies regularly updating and tightening their demands, organisations such as banks, securities firms and FinTech enterprises face increasing pressure to ensure compliance while maintaining operational efficiency. Staying informed of changes and implementing strong compliance measures are essential for thriving in today's market.

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Our multidisciplinary team

We are specialised in banking, securities and fintech regulation, combining diverse backgrounds and interdisciplinary expertise, with deep knowledge of financial markets regulation, supervisory standards and the Swiss financial industry and its regulators and supervisory bodies.

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Our services

We are the trusted partner for both well-established financial institutions and innovative start-ups. Our legal and regulatory practice is committed to providing bespoke solutions tailored to the specific needs of banks, securities firms and FinTech enterprises.

Our expertise spans the entire lifecycle of financial institutions, from inception to ongoing legal, regulatory and compliance matters. Our advice extends beyond Switzerland to include the Principality of Liechtenstein and the EU. We deliver comprehensive support to help you navigate the intricate legal and regulatory landscape and effectively address compliance issues. Trust us to stand by you at every stage, securing the success and stability of your venture in the continuously evolving financial industry.

By leveraging our extensive industry knowledge and collaborating closely with our colleagues in the tax, legal and workforce, the advisory as well as the assurance practices, we guarantee that our clients receive the most practical and operationally sound advice at all times.

Your benefits

  • One-stop shop
  • Holistic and integrated approach
  • Tailor-made solutions
  • Combined expertise in traditional banking and FinTech business models
  • Interdisciplinary know-how

We can support you with the following services:

We support you in finding the right setup for your business and aligning it with the legal and regulatory requirements.

We support you in getting licensed as bank, securities firm or FinTech enterprise with FINMA.

Licensed banks, securities firms and FinTech enterprises must report any change that affects their FINMA license. We help you to make the desired changes and take over the communication with FINMA.

We help you design and implement an adequate legal framework and compliance procedures. This includes developing the necessary policies, processes and process descriptions.

We can prepare a feasibility study for you or submit a request to the relevant authority regarding feasibility (so called no-action letter).

We provide guidance on establishing and implementing an adequate AML and KYC framework, including drafting the required documentation and procedures.

We advise you on outsourcing matters and draft relevant documentation and contracts.

We provide guidance on cross-border activities and help you mitigate cross-border risks.

We draft agreements, general terms and conditions and other legal documents.

We are aware of the potential tax implications for your company and employees and can help you navigate the challenges. You can find our tax dedicated offering here.

We have corporate lawyers inhouse. We support you in all corporate law matters, including the formation of companies or changes to them.

Get in touch with us

Please send us your message via the contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.

Further readings

Regulatory developments

The publication “Regulatory Developments” covers the most important regulatory developments in the banking, asset management, and insurance industries. It analyzes the latest regulatory trends affecting the banking, asset management, and insurance sectors and includes commentary on key aspects, changes, and the current state of play.

 

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PwC Legal's Regulatory Radar for banks, securities firms, and FinTech enterprises

Since the financial crisis, regulations have surged, creating overlapping, sometimes conflicting rules for global firms. Timely updates are crucial. PwC’s web-based Regulatory Radar delivers tailored analyses and comprehensive, cross-jurisdiction updates, enabling organizations to respond promptly and maintain effective compliance.

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Swiss Fintech Licence

Switzerland’s Fintech licence, introduced in 2019, offers a flexible, risk-based alternative to a full banking licence by allowing Fintechs to hold up to CHF 100 million in public deposits without investing them or paying interest, under lighter capital, liquidity, and organizational requirements. This principle-based framework lowers market-entry barriers, fosters innovation across diverse business models, and strengthens Switzerland’s attractiveness as a global Fintech hub.

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Your contact persons

Dr. Jean-Claude Spillmann

Partner, Legal, PwC Switzerland

+41 58 792 43 94

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Silvan Thoma

Director, Legal, PwC Switzerland

+41 58 792 1817

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Thomas Schwyter

Director, Legal, PwC Switzerland

+41 58 792 24 14

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Barbara Gallati

Senior Manager, Legal, PwC Switzerland

+41 58 792 40 22

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Miriam Zuan

Senior Manager, Legal, PwC Switzerland

+41 58 792 49 66

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Michael Boppart

Manager, Legal, PwC Switzerland

+41 58 792 15 95

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Your contact persons

Cecilia Peregrina

Senior Manager, Legal, PwC Switzerland

+41 58 792 93 85

Email

Ivana Ristevska

Manager, Legal, PwC Switzerland

+41 58 792 90 93

Email