Understanding Cantonal Banks and Their Structure

Cantonal banks are a type of bank that operates at the regional level, serving the financial needs of a specific canton or region.

Each cantonal bank is owned by the canton or region it serves, with the cantonal government holding a majority stake.

This unique ownership structure allows cantonal banks to prioritize the needs of their local community.

Cantonal banks typically have a strong focus on lending to local businesses and individuals, supporting the regional economy.

They often have a more limited scope of services compared to larger commercial banks.

The Association of Swiss Cantonal Banks (ASCB) has a clear structure in place to ensure effective governance and decision-making. The supreme body is the General Assembly, where each member has one vote.

The board of directors is the governing body, comprising 25 members, including the 24 Chief Executive Officers of the individual cantonal banks and a chairman elected by the General Meeting for four years. Bruno Thürig has been chairman since June 9, 2022.

The board of directors is responsible for implementing the resolutions of the Annual General Meeting and the board itself, with the executive committee playing a key role in this process.

The General Assembly is the supreme body of the ASCB, where each member has only one vote and is responsible for adopting and amending the Articles of Association.

The board of directors is the governing body of the Association, consisting of 25 members, including the 24 Chief Executive Officers of the individual cantonal banks and the chairman elected by the General Meeting for four years.

Bruno Thürig has been the chairman since June 9, 2022. He plays a crucial role in guiding the Association's direction.

The board of directors elects the chairman and vice-chairman, as well as the auditors, to ensure the Association's financial and operational integrity.

The executive committee is a narrower management body that reports to the board of directors, responsible for implementing its resolutions and dealing with urgent matters.

The office serves as the executive body of the Association, linking it with its members, federal authorities, and institutions, and representing the Cantonal Bank Group in public dealings.

Regional banks offer a wide range of services, with more than 80 companies to choose from. You can find a local bank that suits your needs by sorting the banks by service, language, or canton.

Some regional banks provide private or savings accounts, while others offer rental guarantee accounts or business accounts. You can select the bank that best fits your financial situation.

You can choose a regional bank that speaks your language, making it easier to communicate and manage your finances. Over 80 regional banks are available to cater to different languages and needs.

Regional banks are organized by canton, allowing you to find a bank that is local to your area. This can be especially helpful when you need to visit a bank in person.

In Switzerland, debit cards are often referred to as EC cards, which were discontinued some time ago.

Online banking in Switzerland is commonly known as E-Banking, making it easy to manage your finances from the comfort of your own home.

If you're looking for information on current interest rates, Swiss banks provide you with up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions about your money.

You can access your account information and perform transactions through online banking, also known as E-Banking.

Explore further: E Banking Online

Cantonal banks are a type of retail bank in Switzerland where cantonal governments hold significant stakes and shareholder voting rights. There are over 80 cantonal banks in Switzerland.

You can sort cantonal banks by service, language, and canton to find the one best suited to your needs. Whether you need a private or savings account, a rental guarantee account, or a business account, you can find a cantonal bank that fits your requirements.

Cantonal banks are often referred to as people's shares (German: Volksaktien) due to their parastatal status. An increasing number of cantonal banks now list their stocks on Swiss stock exchanges.

Deposits held in the majority of cantonal banks are fully insured by their corresponding cantonal governments. This sets cantonal banks apart from other retail banks whose depositors are only protected up to the limits applicable to the depositor protection scheme managed by Esisuisse.

Here is a list of cantonal banks that benefit from a full state depositor protection guarantee by their corresponding cantonal governments:

Cantonal banks that do not benefit from a full state depositor protection guarantee by their corresponding cantonal governments include Berner Kantonalbank (BEKB), Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (BCV), and Banque Cantonale de Genève (BCGE).