Sidebar
Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)
Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is Switzerland’s independent financial-markets regulator. Its mandate is to supervise banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, collective investment schemes, and their asset managers and fund management companies. It also regulates insurance intermediaries. It is charged with protecting creditors, investors and policyholders. FINMA is responsible for ensuring that Switzerland’s financial markets function effectively.
FINMA is mandated to protect financial market clients – creditors, investors and policyholders – and is responsible for ensuring that Switzerland’s financial markets function effectively. Its supervisory tasks - authorization, supervision and, where necessary, the enforcement of supervisory law – are derived from that mandate. In addition, FINMA can also regulate activities where it is authorized to do so. In performing its supervisory activities, FINMA adopts a systematic risk-oriented approach and is mindful to ensure continuity and accountability. This strengthens confidence in the proper functioning, integrity, competitiveness and sustainability of Switzerland's financial center.
FINMA strategy and organization are based on legally defined tasks and objectives, FINMA’s Board of Directors draws up strategic goals, which it submits to the Federal Council for approval every four years. To enable it to achieve its strategic goals, FINMA has an appropriate organizational structure, with a clear distinction between strategic management through the Board of Directors and operational management through the Executive Board. The Board of Directors defines the strategic course, decides on transactions of substantial importance, and oversees the Executive Board. Eight divisions ensure that FINMA fulfills its mandate efficiently and uses its financial resources responsibly and effectively.
