List of Banks in Switzerland: Overview and Comparison of Major Banks

Switzerland is home to a robust banking system, with numerous banks offering a range of services to individuals and businesses.

The country's banking industry is characterized by a high level of stability and security, thanks to strict regulations and a strong tradition of confidentiality.

Some of the major banks in Switzerland include UBS, Credit Suisse, and Raiffeisen, which have a long history of providing banking services.

These banks offer a wide range of products and services, from personal banking to investment banking, and have a significant presence in the country's financial sector.

Switzerland is home to many top-notch banks, and understanding their size and scope can be helpful when considering banking options. UBS Group AG is the largest bank in Switzerland, with total assets of CHF 915.613 billion as of 2017.

The bank's size is impressive, and it's no wonder it's a leading company in Switzerland and major financial centers worldwide. UBS has offices in over 50 countries and employs around 60,000 people globally.

Here are the top 10 banks in Switzerland, ranked by their total assets as of 2017:

The top banks in Switzerland offer a range of services, from private banking to commercial banking, and assets management.

UBS Group AG is a leading company in Switzerland, operating in more than 50 countries worldwide. It has a significant presence in Switzerland, with 36% of its employees based there and 280 branches across the country.

The bank employs around 60,000 people globally and serves one in three households in Switzerland, where it reaches 80% of the Swiss wealth. UBS is the only country where the bank maintains its leading position in all five business areas.

UBS Group AG has a long history, established in 1862, and its headquarter is situated in Bahnhofstrasse 45, Zurich. As of 2020, the bank had total assets of $3.49 trillion.

The bank's net profit to shareholders for 2018 was $4.897 billion, a significant increase from the previous year's figure of $969 million. In Q4 2018, the bank posted a profit of $690 million, which fell short of expectations.

In 2020, UBS had a total equity of $59.4 billion and an operating income of $32.39 billion.

Credit Suisse Group has a rich history, founded in 1856, making it one of the oldest banks in Switzerland.

The bank has a global presence with operations in more than 50 countries and 46,840 employees from over 170 different nations.

Credit Suisse serves its clients through three regionally-focused divisions: International wealth management, Swiss universal bank, and Asia Pacific.

It also has two subdivisions: global markets and investment banking and capital markets.

In 2018, the bank posted an annual income of CHF 3.4 billion, a 90% increase against 2017, and a net income to shareholders of CHF 2.1 billion.

As of 2020, Credit Suisse had total assets of CHF 892.995 billion.

The bank focuses on investment banking, asset management, and private banking, with a total asset under management of CHF 1.3 trillion as of 2022.

However, in 2023, the bank reported a loss of CHF 7.3 billion due to weak financial control and reporting.

UBS ultimately acquired Credit Suisse in a deal worth US $3.25 billion to save the bank.

Regional banks in Switzerland are quite impressive. There are 24 Cantonal banks in Switzerland, 100% or majority-owned by the cantons. They focus on loans to small and medium-sized companies and retail banking.

Some notable regional banks include the Banque Cantonale de Genève (BCGE), founded in 1816, and the Luzerner Kantonalbank (LUKB), founded in 1850. The Banque Cantonale de Genève offers a comprehensive range of products and services for retail and corporate customers, including deposit products, personal and mortgage loans, debit and credit cards, and assets management. The Luzerner Kantonalbank also offers a range of services, including cash management, payment transactions for companies, and e-banking.

Here's a list of some of the largest regional banks in Switzerland, ranked by assets:

Raiffeisen Switzerland is another significant regional bank, with around 3.6 million customers and 1.9 million cooperative members.

Luzerner Kantonalbank, founded in 1850, is another significant cantonal bank in Switzerland.

It was established around 172 years ago, making it one of the oldest cantonal banks in the country.

Luzerner Kantonalbank has a market share of 50%-60%, indicating its significant presence in the Swiss banking market.

Its headquarters is located in Luzern, and at the end of 2014, it had total assets of CHF 29381.43 million.

Around 948 employees are employed in the bank, working hard to provide various services to private customers and institutions.

LUKB offers a range of services, including cash management, payment transactions for companies, pension funds, inheritance advice, and e-banking.

Opening an account with LUKB is free of charge, with monthly maintenance payments from CHF 2 to CHF 3, depending on your total balance.

In 2021, LUKB had a net profit after taxes of CHF 246.4 million, a notable achievement in the competitive banking industry.

Raiffeisen is a significant player in the Swiss banking sector. They have around 3.6 million customers and 1.9 million cooperative members.

The bank has a strong presence in Switzerland with 823 locations across the country. These locations offer a range of services, including individual advice on pensions, homeownership, investment, and insurance solutions.

Raiffeisen Switzerland had a 2020 net income of CHF 763 million. This is a substantial figure, indicating the bank's financial health and stability.

The bank offers a variety of products and services to make customers' lives easier. These include payments and savings accounts, e-banking, memberships, insurance, and bonuses.

Opening a private account with Raiffeisen is free of charge, but annual fees are CHF 60. This is a relatively low fee compared to other banks.

Raiffeisen is the third-largest bank in the Swiss banking sector and the leading Swiss retail bank. They operate through 896 locations throughout Switzerland.

As of June 2018, assets under management with the bank were CHF 211 billion. This is a significant amount, indicating the bank's large customer base and assets.

The bank's operating profit during the first half of 2018 was CHF 416 million. This is a substantial figure, showing the bank's profitability.

Raiffeisen has a significant market share in the mortgage business, about 17.6%. This indicates the bank's strong presence in this area.

Basler Kantonalbank is a Swiss regional bank that's been around since 1899. It has a significant presence in Switzerland, with over 49 branches across the country.

The bank offers a range of services, including deposit, mortgage, and other loans, as well as portfolio management and foreign currency trading. It mainly operates in the North West region of Switzerland.

Basler Kantonalbank has a net income of about CHF 114.81 Million, and it's part of 24 cantonal banks serving 26 cantons of Switzerland. This network allows it to provide a wide range of services to its customers.

One of the unique features of Basler Kantonalbank is its full state guarantee of state liabilities. This provides an added layer of security for customers.

In Switzerland, family-owned banks have a long history and reputation for stability and expertise. They often have a strong sense of tradition and community involvement.

Banque Heritage, for example, is a family-owned bank that has been around since 1863. It's one of the oldest banks in Switzerland, with a rich history and a commitment to excellence.

Family-owned banks in Switzerland are known for their personalized service and attention to detail. They often have a more intimate relationship with their clients, which can be beneficial for those looking for a more tailored approach to banking.

Some notable family-owned banks in Switzerland include Bank SYZ, ONE Swiss Bank SA, and Bordier & Cie. These banks have a strong reputation for innovation and expertise in their respective fields.

Here is a list of some of the family-owned banks mentioned in the article:

In Switzerland, there are some banks that play a crucial role in the country's financial system. One of them is UBS Group AG, which includes Credit Suisse. This bank is a key player in the Swiss economy.

Domestically Systemically Important banks are identified by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). UBS Group AG is one of them.

Here are some key facts about Domestically Systemically Important banks in Switzerland:

These banks have a significant impact on the Swiss financial system and are subject to stricter regulations to ensure their stability.

Switzerland's digital banking landscape is a unique blend of traditional banking services and advanced technology, prioritizing security, privacy, and financial stability.

Established Swiss banks are gradually embracing digital transformation, offering online banking services and mobile apps to cater to tech-savvy customers.

The country also sees the rise of digital-only banks, known as neobanks, which provide streamlined and customer-centric banking experiences.

Switzerland's reputation for financial stability and data privacy remains an essential pillar of its digital banking sector.

Switzerland's digital banking landscape combines traditional banking services with advanced technology, emphasizing security, privacy, and financial stability.

The country's established banks are gradually embracing digital transformation, offering online banking services and mobile apps to cater to tech-savvy customers.

Traditional banking strengths are being combined with emerging digital innovations in Switzerland's digital banking sector.

Switzerland's reputation for financial stability and data privacy remains an essential pillar of its digital banking sector.

Digital-only banks, known as neobanks, are rising in Switzerland, providing streamlined and customer-centric banking experiences.

In Switzerland, most banks don't charge for opening a bank account.

You'll need to be mindful of minimal balance rules, though.

Annual payments are usually required to avoid maintenance fees, unless you have a certain balance in your account.

Having more than CHF 5,000 in your account will exempt you from paying the monthly management fee.

Other banks in Switzerland are also worth mentioning.

The Swiss Post Office Bank, or PostFinance, is a popular bank in Switzerland that offers a wide range of banking services, including online banking, mobile banking, and a user-friendly app.

The bank is known for its high level of security, which is reflected in its high ratings from reputable organizations such as BauerFinancial and Verband der Schweizerischen Banken.

The bank offers a variety of accounts, including current accounts, savings accounts, and pension accounts, all of which can be managed online or through the mobile app.

The bank also offers a range of credit products, including mortgages, personal loans, and credit cards, all of which can be applied for online or in branch.

In addition to its banking services, PostFinance also offers a range of other products and services, including insurance, investment products, and payment services.