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955.0

English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only, has no legal force and may not be relied on in legal proceedings.

Federal Act
on Combating Money Laundering and
Terrorist Financing

(Anti-Money Laundering Act, AMLA)1

of 10 October 1997 (Status as of 1 March 2024)

1 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

The Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation,

based on Articles 95 and 98 of the Federal Constitution2,3

and having considered the Federal Council Dispatch dated 17 June 19964,

decrees:

2 SR 101

3 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013, in force since 1 Nov. 2013 (AS 2013 3493; BBl 2012 6941).

4 BBl 1996 III 1101

Chapter 1 General Provisions

Art. 15 Subject matter

This Act regulates the combating of money laundering as defined in Article 305bis of the Swiss Criminal Code6 (SCC), the combating of terrorist financing as defined in Article 260quinquies paragraph 1 SCC, and the due diligence required in financial transactions.

5 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

6 SR 311.0

Art. 2 Scope of application

1 This Act applies to:

a.
financial intermediaries;
b.
natural persons and legal entities that deal in goods commercially and in doing so accept cash (dealers).7

2 Financial intermediaries are:

a.8
banks as defined in Article 1a of the Banking Act of 8 November 19349 (BankA) and the persons defined in Article 1b BankA;
abis.10
portfolio managers and trustees as defined in Article 2 paragraph 1 letters a and b of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 201811 (FinIA);
b.12
fund management companies as defined in Article 2 paragraph 1 letter d FinIA;
bbis.13
licensees in accordance with Article 13 paragraph 2 letters b-d the Collective Investment Schemes Act of 23 June 200614, (CISA) and the managers of collective assets in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 1 letter c FinIA;
c.15
insurance institutions as defined in the Insurance Supervision Act of 17 December 200416 that deal in direct life insurance or offer or distribute shares in collective investment schemes;
d.17
securities firms in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 1 letter e FinIA;
dbis.18 central counterparties and central securities depositories in accordance with the Financial Market Infrastructure Act of 19 June 201519 (FinMIA);
dter.20
payment systems that require authorisation from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) in accordance with Article 4 paragraph 2 FinMIA;
dquater.21
trading facilities for DLT securities in accordance with Article 73a FinMIA (DLT trading facilities);
e.22
casinos as defined in the Gambling Act of 29 September 201723 (GamblA);
f.24
promoters of large-scale games under the GamblA;
g.25
trade assayers and group companies in accordance with Article 42bis of the Precious Metals Control Act of 20 June 193326 (PMCA).

3 Financial intermediaries are also persons who on a professional basis accept or hold on deposit assets belonging to others or who assist in the investment or transfer of such assets; they include in particular persons who:

a.
carry out credit transactions (in particular in relation to consumer loans or mortgages, factoring, commercial financing or financial leasing);
b.
provide services related to payment transactions, in particular by carrying out electronic transfers on behalf of other persons, or who issue or manage means of payment such as credit cards and travellers' cheques;
c.
trade for their own account or for the account of others in banknotes and coins, money market instruments, foreign exchange, precious metals, commodities and securities (stocks and shares and value rights) as well as their derivatives;
d.27
...
e.28
...
f.
make investments as investment advisers;
g.
hold securities on deposit or manage securities.

4 This Act does not apply to:

a.
the Swiss National Bank;
b.
tax-exempt occupational pension institutions;
c.
persons who provide their services solely to tax-exempt occupational pension institutions;
d.
financial intermediaries within the meaning of paragraph 3 who provide their services solely to financial intermediaries within the meaning of paragraph 2 or to foreign financial intermediaries who are subject to equivalent supervision;
e.29
limited qualified investor funds (L-QIF) in the legal form of an investment company with variable capital (SICAV) or a limited partnership for collective investment (LPCI) if the institution responsible for management in accordance with Article 118h paragraph 1, 2 or 4 CISA assumes responsibility for complying with the duties under this Act.

7 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

8 Amended by Annex No II 15 des Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 5247; BBl 2015 8901).

9 SR 952.0

10 Inserted by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901). Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

11 SR 954.1

12 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

13 Inserted by Annex No II 9 des Collective Investment Schemes Act of 23 June 2006 (AS 2006 5379; BBl 2005 6395). Amended by Annex No 6 of the FA of 17 Dec. 2021, in force since 1 March 2024 (AS 2024 53; BBl 2020 6885).

14 SR 951.31

15 Amended by Annex No II 9 of the Collective Investment Schemes Act of 23 June 2006, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 5379; BBl 2005 6395).

16 SR 961.01

17 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

18 Inserted by Annex No 12 of the Financial Market Infrastructure Act of 19 June 2015 (AS 2015 5339; BBl 2014 7483). Amended by No I 8 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Adaptation of Federal Law to Developments in Distributed Ledger Technology, in force since 1 Aug. 2021 (AS 2021 33, 399; BBl 2020 233).

19 SR 958.1

20 Inserted by Annex No 12 of the Financial Market Infrastructure Act of 19 June 2015 (AS 2015 5339; BBl 2014 7483). Amended by No I 8 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Adaptation of Federal Law to Developments in Distributed Ledger Technology, in force since 1 Aug. 2021 (AS 2021 33, 399; BBl 2020 233).

21 Inserted by No I 8 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Adaptation of Federal Law to Developments in Distributed Ledger Technology, in force since 1 Aug. 2021 (AS 2021 33, 399; BBl 2020 233).

22 Inserted by Annex No 4 of the Gambling Act of 18 Dec. 1998 (AS 2000 677; BBl 1997 III 145). Amended by Annex No II 8 of the Gambling Act of 29 Sept. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 5103; BBl 2015 8387).

23 SR 935.51

24 Inserted by Annex No II 8 of the Gambling Act of 29 Sept. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 5103; BBl 2015 8387).

25 Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

26 SR 941.31

27 Repealed by Annex No II 8 of the Insurance Supervision Act of 17 Dec. 2004, with effect from 1 Jan. 2006 (AS 2005 5269; BBl 2003 3789).

28 Repealed by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, with effect from 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

29 Inserted by Annex No 6 of the FA of 17 Dec. 2021, in force since 1 March 2024 (AS 2024 53; BBl 2020 6885).

Art. 2a30 Definitions

1 Politically exposed persons in terms of this Act are:

a.
individuals who are or have been entrusted with prominent public functions by a foreign country, such as heads of state or of government, senior politicians at national level, senior government, judicial, military or political party officials at national level, and senior executives of state-owned corporations of national significance (foreign politically exposed persons);
b.
individuals who are or have been entrusted with prominent public functions at national level in Switzerland in politics, government, the armed forces or the judiciary, or who are or have been senior executives of state-owned corporations of national significance (domestic politically exposed persons);
c.
individuals who are or have been entrusted with a prominent function by an intergovernmental organisation or international sports federations, such as secretaries general, directors, deputy directors and members of the board or individuals who have been entrusted with equivalent functions, (politically exposed persons in international organisations)

2 The family members and close associates of politically exposed persons are individuals who are closely connected to persons under paragraph 1 either through their family or for social or professional reasons.

3 The beneficial owners of an operating legal entity are the natural persons who ultimately control the legal entity in that they directly or indirectly, alone or in concert with third parties, hold at least 25 per cent of the capital or voting rights in the legal entity or otherwise control it. If the beneficial owners cannot be identified, the most senior member of the legal entity's executive body must be identified.

4 Domestic politically exposed persons are no longer regarded as being politically exposed in terms of this Act when 18 months have elapsed since they relinquished their position. The general duties of due diligence for financial intermediaries are reserved.

5 An international sports federation in terms of paragraph 1 letter c is the International Olympic Committee and the non-governmental organisations that it recognised that regulate one or more official sports at global level.

30 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

Chapter 2 Duties31

31 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

Section 1 Financial Intermediaries Duty of Due Diligence32

32 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

Art. 3 Verification of the identity of the customer

1 When establishing a business relationship, the financial intermediary must verify the identity of the customer on the basis of a document of evidentiary value. Where the customer is a legal entity, the financial intermediary must acknowledge the provisions regulating the power to bind the legal entity, and verify the identity of the persons who enter into the business relationship on behalf of the legal entity.33

2 In the case of cash transactions with a customer whose identity has not yet been identified, the duty to verify identity applies only if one transaction, or two or more transactions that appear to be connected, involve a considerable financial value.

3 Insurance institutions must verify the identity of the customer if the amount of a single premium, the regular premium or the total of the premiums involves a considerable financial value.

4 If in cases under paragraphs 2 or 3 there is any suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing, the identity of the customer must be verified even if the relevant amounts have not been reached.34

5 FINMA, the Federal Gaming Board (FGB), the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)35 and the self-regulatory organisations shall determine what constitutes a considerable financial value within the meaning of paragraphs 2 and 3 in their respective fields and adjust such values as required.36

33 Second sentence inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

34 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

35 The name of the administrative unit has been changed in application of Art. 20 para. 2 of the Publications Ordinance of 7 Oct. 2015 (SR 170.512.1). This change has been made throughout the text.

36 Amended by Annex 2 No 1 of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 437 Establishing the identity of the beneficial owner

1 The financial intermediary must identify the beneficial owner with the due diligence required in the circumstances and verify its identity in order to ensure that it knows who the beneficial owner is.38 If the customer is a listed company or a subsidiary over which a listed company has majority control, the identity of the beneficial owner need not be established.

2 The financial intermediary must obtain a written declaration from the customer as to the identity of the individual who is the beneficial owner if:

a.
the customer is not the beneficial owner or if there is any doubt about the matter;
b.
the customer is a domiciliary company or an operating legal entity; or
c.
a cash transaction of considerable financial value in terms of Article 3 paragraph 2 is being carried out.

3 In the case of collective accounts or collective deposits, the financial intermediary must require the customer to provide a complete list of the beneficial owners and to give notice of any change to the list immediately.

37 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

38 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 5 Repetition of the verification of the identity of the customer or the establishment of the identity of the beneficial owner

1 If doubt arises in the course of the business relationship as to the identity of the customer or of the beneficial owner, the verification of identity or establishment of identity in terms of Articles 3 and 4 respectively must be repeated.

2 In the case of an insurance policy that may be surrendered, the insurance institution must also re-establish the identity of the beneficial owner if, in the event of a claim or the surrender of the policy, the person entitled to benefit is not the same person identified at the time that the insurance contract was concluded.

Art. 639 Special duties of due diligence

1 The financial intermediary is required to ascertain the nature and purpose of the business relationship wanted by the customer. The extent of the information that must be obtained, the hierarchical level at which the decision to enter into or continue a business relationship must be taken and the regularity of checks are determined by the risk represented by the customer.

2 The financial intermediary must clarify the economic background and the purpose of a transaction or of a business relationship if:

a.
the transaction or the business relationship appears unusual, unless its legality is clear;
b.40
there are indications that assets are the proceeds of a felony or an aggravated tax misdemeanour under Article 305bis number 1bis SCC41 or are subject to the power of disposal of a criminal or terrorist organisation (Art. 260ter SCC) or serve the financing of terrorism (Art. 260quinquies para. 1 SCC);
c.
the transaction or the business relationship carries a higher risk;
d.42
the data on a customer, a beneficial owner or an authorised signatory in a business relationship or transaction are identical or very similar to the data passed on to the financial intermediary under Article 22a paragraph 2 or 3.

3 Business relationships with foreign politically exposed persons and their family members or close associates in terms of Article 2a paragraph 2 are deemed in every case to be business relationships with a higher risk.

4 Business relationships with domestic politically exposed persons and politically exposed persons in international organisations and their family members or close associates in terms of Article 2a paragraph 2 are deemed when combined with one or more further risk criteria to be business relationships with a higher risk.

39 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

40 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

41 SR 311.0

42 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 7 Duty to keep records

1 The financial intermediary must keep records of transactions carried out and of clarifications required under this Act in such a manner that other specially qualified persons are able to make a reliable assessment of the transactions and business relationships and of compliance with the provisions of this Act.

1bis The financial intermediary must periodically check the required records to ensure that they are up to date, and update them if need be. The periodicity, scope and type of checking and updating are based on the risk posed by the customer.43

2 The financial intermediary must retain the records in such a manner as to be able to respond within a reasonable time to any requests made by the prosecution authorities for information or for the seizure of assets.

3 After the termination of the business relationship or after completion of the transaction, the financial intermediary must retain the records for a minimum of ten years.

43 Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 7a44 Assets of low value

The financial intermediary may dispense with complying with the duties of due diligence (Art. 3-7) if the business relationship only involves assets of low value and there is no suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing.

44 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

Art. 8 Organisational measures

Financial intermediaries must take the measures that are required to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing in their field of business.45 They must in particular ensure that their staff receive adequate training and that checks are carried out.

45 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

Section 1a46 Dealers' Duties of Due Diligence

46 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

Art. 8a

1 Dealers under Article 2 paragraph 1 letter b must fulfil the following duties if they accept more than 100,000 francs in cash in the course of a commercial transaction:

a.
verification of the identity of the customer (Art. 3 para. 1);
b.
establishing the identity of the beneficial owner (Art. 4 para. 1 and 2 let. a and b);
c.
duty to keep records (Art. 7).

2 They must clarify the economic background and purpose of a transaction if:

a.
it appears unusual, unless its legality is clear;
b.47
there are indications that assets are the proceeds of a felony or an aggravated tax misdemeanour under Article 305bis number 1bis SCC48 or are subject to the power of disposal of a criminal or terrorist organisation (Art. 260ter SCC) or serve the financing of terrorism (Art. 260quinquies para. 1 SCC).

3 Dealers are subject to the duties under paragraphs 1 and 2 even if the cash payment is made in two or more instalments and the individual instalments are less than 100,000 francs, but when added together exceed this amount.

4 They are not subject to the duties if the payments that exceed 100,000 francs are made through a financial intermediary.

5 The Federal Council shall specify the details of the duties under paragraphs 1 and 2 and stipulate how they are to be fulfilled.

47 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

48 SR 311.0

Section 2 Duties in the Event of a Suspicion of Money Laundering

Art. 9 Duty to report

1 A financial intermediary must immediately file a report with the Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (the Reporting Office) as defined in Article 23 if it:

a.
knows or has reasonable grounds to suspect that assets involved in the business relationship:
1.49
are connected to an offence in terms of Article 260ter or 305bis SCC50,
2.51
are the proceeds of a felony or an aggravated tax misdemeanour under Article 305bis number 1bis SCC,
3.52
are subject to the power of disposal of a criminal or terrorist organisation, or
4.
serve the financing of terrorism (Art. 260quinquies para. 1 SCC);
b.
terminates negotiations aimed at establishing a business relationship because of a reasonable suspicion as defined in letter a;
c.53
knows or has reason to assume based on the clarifications carried out under Article 6 paragraph 2 letter d that the data on a person or organisation passed on under Article 22a paragraph 2 or 3 correspond to the data of a customer, a beneficial owner or an authorised signatory in a business relationship or transaction.54

1bis A dealer must immediately file a report with the Reporting Office if it knows or has reasonable grounds to suspect that cash payments made in the course of a commercial transaction:

a.55
are connected to an offence under Article 260ter or 305bis SCC;
b.
are the proceeds of a felony or an aggravated tax misdemeanour under Article 305bis number 1bis SCC;
c.56
are subject to the power of disposal of a criminal organisation; or
d.57
serve the financing of terrorism (Art. 260quinquies para. 1 SCC).58

1ter The name of the financial intermediary or dealer must appear in any report in accordance with paragraph 1. The identity of the financial intermediary's or dealer's staff who are in charge of the case may be made anonymous in the report, provided it is guaranteed that the Reporting Office and the competent prosecution authority are able to contact them without delay.59

1quater In the cases referred to in paragraph 1, reasonable grounds to suspect exist if the financial intermediary has specific evidence or several indications that paragraph 1 letter a may apply to the assets involved in the business relationship and this suspicion cannot be dispelled on the basis of additional clarifications in accordance with Article 6.60

2 Lawyers and notaries are not subject to the duty to report insofar as they are bound in their activities by professional secrecy in terms of Article 321 SCC.

49 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

50 SR 311.0

51 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

52 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

53 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605). Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

54 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

55 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

56 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

57 Inserted by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

58 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269). Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

59 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

60 Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 9a61 Customer orders relating to the reported assets

1 During the analysis conducted by the Reporting Office under Article 23 paragraph 2, the financial intermediary shall execute customer orders relating to the assets reported under Article 9 paragraph 1 letter a of this Act or under Article 305ter paragraph 2 SCC62.

2 The financial intermediary shall execute customer orders involving significant assets solely in a form that allows the prosecution authorities to follow their trail.63

61 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

62 SR 311.0

63 Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 9b64 Termination of the business relationship

1 If, following a report under Article 9 paragraph 1 letter a of this Act or under Article 305ter paragraph 2 of the SCC65, the Reporting Office does not inform the financial intermediary within 40 working days that it is transmitting the reported information to a prosecution authority, the financial intermediary may terminate the business relationship.

2 The financial intermediary who decides to terminate the business relationship may permit the withdrawal of significant assets solely in a form that allows the prosecution authorities to follow their trail.

3 The termination of the business relationship and the date of termination must be notified to the Reporting Office without delay.

4 After the business relationship has been terminated, the prohibition on providing information under Article 10a paragraph 1 must continue to be complied with.

64 Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

65 SR 311.0

Art. 1066 Freezing of assets

1 The financial intermediary shall freeze the assets entrusted to it that are related to the report under Article 9 paragraph 1 letter a of this Act or under Article 305ter paragraph 2 of the SCC67 as soon as the Reporting Office informs it that it is transmitting the reported information to a prosecution authority.68

1bis It shall without delay freeze the assets entrusted to it that are related to the report under Article 9 paragraph 1 letter c.

2 It shall continue to freeze the assets until it receives a ruling from the competent prosecution authority, but at most for five working days from the date on which the Reporting Office gives notice of transmitting the reported information under paragraph 1 or on which it filed the report with the Reporting Office under paragraph 1bis.69

66 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

67 SR 311.0

68 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

69 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 10a70 Prohibition of information

1 The financial intermediary is prohibited from informing the persons concerned or third parties that it has filed a report under Article 9 of this Act or under Article 305ter paragraph 2 SCC71. The authorities and organisations responsible for supervision under Article 12 of this Act or under Article 43a of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 200772 (FINMASA) and people who carry out audits within the framework of supervision are not deemed to be third parties.73

2 If the financial intermediary itself is unable to freeze the assets, it may inform the financial intermediary that is able to do so and which is subject to this Act.

3 The financial intermediary may also inform another financial intermediary subject to this Act that it has filed a report under Article 9 of this Act or under Article 305ter paragraph 2 of the SCC, provided this is required in order to comply with duties under this Act and provided both financial intermediaries:74

a.
provide joint services for one customer in connection with the management of that customer's assets on the basis of a contractual agreement to cooperate; or
b.
are part of the same corporate group.

3bis The financial intermediary may also, under the conditions set out in Article 4quinquies BankA75, inform its parent company abroad that it has filed a report under Article 9 of this Act or under Article 305ter paragraph 2 of the SCC, provided that company undertakes to comply with the prohibition on providing information. The supervisory authority of the parent company is not deemed to be a third party.76

4 The financial intermediary who has been informed on the basis of paragraph 2 or 3 is subject to the prohibition of information in paragraph 1.

5 The dealer is prohibited from informing the persons concerned or third parties that it has filed a report under Article 9.77

6 The prohibition on providing information under paragraphs 1 and 5 does not apply to protecting personal interests in the context of a civil action or criminal or administrative proceedings.78

70 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

71 SR 311.0

72 SR 956.1

73 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

74 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

75 SR 952.0

76 Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

77 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

78 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

Art. 1179 Exclusion of criminal and civil liability

1 Any person who in good faith files a report under Article 9 of this Act or who freezes assets in accordance with Article 10 may not be prosecuted for a breach of official, profession or trade secrecy or be held liable for breach of contract.

2 This exclusion of prosecution and liability also applies to:

a.
financial intermediaries that file a report under Article 305ter paragraph 2 of the SCC80;
b.
audit firms that file a report under Article 15 paragraph 5;
c.
supervisory organisations in accordance with Article 43a of the FINMASA81 that file a report under Article 16 paragraph 1;
d.
self-regulatory organisations that file a report under Article 27 paragraph 4.82

79 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

80 SR 311.0

81 SR 956.1

82 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Section 383 Provision of Information

83 Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013, in force since 1 Nov. 2013 (AS 2013 3493; BBl 2012 6941).

Art. 11a

1 If the Reporting Office requires additional information in order to analyse a report that it has received in accordance with Article 9 of this Act or Article 305ter paragraph 2 SCC84, the financial intermediary making the report must on request provide such information that is in its possession.

2 If, based on this analysis, it becomes apparent that in addition to the financial intermediary making the report, other financial intermediaries are or were involved in a transaction or business relationship, the financial intermediaries involved must on request provide the Reporting Office with all related information that is in their possession.

2bis If, on the basis of the analysis of information from a foreign reporting office, it becomes apparent that financial intermediaries subject to this Act are or have been involved in a transaction or business relationship in connection with this information, the financial intermediaries involved must, on request, disclose to MROS all related information to the extent that it is available to them.85

3 The Reporting Office shall specify a deadline for the provision of information by the financial intermediaries concerned under paragraphs 1-2bis.86

4 The financial intermediaries are subject to the prohibition of information under Article 10a paragraph 1.

5 The exclusion of criminal and civil liability under Article 11 applies by analogy.

84 SR 311.0

85 Inserted by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

86 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

Chapter 3 Supervision

Section 1 General Provisions

Art. 1287 Responsibility

The following authorities and organisations shall supervise compliance by financial intermediaries with the duties set out in Chapter 2:88

a.89
for financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 2 letters a to dquater, FINMA;
b.90
for financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 2 letter e, the FGB;
bbis.91
for financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 2 letter f: the Intercantonal Supervisory and Executive Authority under Article 105 of the GamblA92 (the intercantonal authority);
bter.93
for financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 2 letter g: the Central Office for Precious Metals Control (the Central Office);
c.94
for financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 3, the recognised self-regulatory organisations (Art. 24).

87 Amended by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

88 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

89 Amended by No I 8 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Adaptation of Federal Law to Developments in Distributed Ledger Technology, in force since 1 Aug. 2021 (AS 2021 33, 399; BBl 2020 233).

90 Amended by Annex No II 8 of the Gambling Act of 29 Sept. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 5103; BBl 2015 8387).

91 Inserted by Annex No II 8 of the Gambling Act of 29 Sept. 2017 (AS 2018 5103; BBl 2015 8387). Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

92 SR 935.51

93 Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

94 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

Art. 1496 Affiliation to a self-regulatory organisation

1 Financial intermediaries within the meaning of Article 2 paragraph 3 must be affiliated to a self-regulatory organisation.

2 A financial intermediary within the meaning of Article 2 paragraph 3 is entitled to affiliate to a self-regulatory organisation if:

a.
the financial intermediary guarantees compliance with its duties in accordance with this Act by means of its internal regulations and organisation
b.
the financial intermediary enjoys a good reputation and guarantees compliance with its duties in accordance with this Act
c.
the persons responsible for its administration and management also meet the requirements of letter b; and
d.
its qualified participants enjoy a good reputation and guarantee that their influence is not detrimental to prudent and sound business operations.

3 The self-regulatory organisation may make affiliation conditional on the financial intermediary operating in specific sectors.

96 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

Art. 1597 Dealers' duty to verify

1 Dealers with duties of due diligence under Article 8a must appoint an audit firm to verify whether they are complying with their duties under Chapter 2.98

2 Audit firms under Article 6 of the Auditor Oversight Act of 16 December 200599 which have the required expertise and experience may be appointed as an audit firm.100

3 The dealers must provide the audit firm with all the information and documents required to conduct the audit.101

4 The audit firm shall verify compliance with the duties under this Act and prepare a report thereon for the attention of the responsible management bodies of the dealer audited.102

5 If a dealer fails to comply with its duty to report, the audit firm shall immediately file a report with the Reporting Office if it has reasonable grounds to suspect that:103

a.104
an offence under Article 260ter or 305bis SCC105 has been committed;
b.
assets are the proceeds of a felony or an aggravated tax misdemeanour under Article 305bis number 1bis SCC;
c.106
assets are subject to the power of disposal of a criminal or terrorist organisation; or
d.107
assets serve the financing of terrorism (Art. 260quinquies para. 1 SCC).

97 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

98 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

99 SR 221.302

100 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

101 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

102 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

103 Amended by Annex 2 No 3 of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

104 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

105 SR 311.0

106 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

107 Inserted by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

Section 2108
Duty to Report of the Supervisory Authorities and the Supervisory Organisations
109

108 Amended by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

109 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 16

1 FINMA, the FGB, the intercantonal authority, the Central Office and the supervisory organisations shall immediately submit a report to the Reporting Office if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that:110

a.111
a criminal offence under Article 260ter, 305bis or 305ter SCC112 has been committed;
b.113
assets are the proceeds of a felony or an aggravated tax misdemeanour under Article 305bis number 1bis SCC;
c.114
assets are subject to the power of disposal of a criminal or terrorist organisation; or
d.115
assets serve the financing of terrorism (Art. 260quinquies para. 1 SCC).

2 This duty applies only if the financial intermediary or the self-regulatory organisation has not already submitted a report.

3 The supervisory organisation shall submit a copy of the report to FINMA at the same time.116

110 Amended by Annex 2 No 3 of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

111 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

112 SR 311.0

113 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

114 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

115 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

116 Inserted by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

Section 3117 Supervision of Financial Intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 2

117 Amended by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

Art. 17118

1 Ordinances specifying the duties of due diligence defined in Chapter 2 and under the gambling legislation shall be issued by:

a.
FINMA for financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 2 letters a to dquater;
b.
the FGB for financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 2 letter e;
c.
the FDJP for financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 2 letter f;
d.
the FOCBS for financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 2 letter g.

2 These authorities shall determine how the duties of due diligence are to be fulfilled. They may recognise corresponding self-regulation.

118 Amended by Annex 2 No 1 of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Section 3a Supervision of Financial Intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 3119

119 Inserted by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

Art. 18 Duties of FINMA120

1 FINMA shall have the following duties in terms of its supervision of the financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 3:121

a.
it recognises the self-regulatory organisations or withdraws such recognition;
b.122
it supervises the self-regulatory organisations;
c.
it approves the regulations issued by the self-regulatory organisations in accordance with Article 25 and any amendments thereto;
d.
it ensures that the self-regulatory organisations enforce their regulations;
e. and f.123
...

2 ...124

3 In order to preserve professional secrecy, self-regulatory organisations shall arrange for inspections under this Act (AMLA inspections) to be carried out on lawyers by lawyers and on notaries by notaries.125

4 The lawyers and notaries instructed to carry out AMLA inspections must meet the following requirements:

a.
lawyer's or notary's practising certificate;
b.
guarantee of that inspections will be carried out properly;
c.
proof of the relevant knowledge of AMLA, practical experience and continuing professional development;
d.
independence from the member being checked.126

120 Amended by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

121 Amended by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

122 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

123 Repealed by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, with effect from 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

124 Repealed by Annex No 7 of the FA of 20 June 2014 (Consolidation of Oversight of Audit Companies), with effect from 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 4073; BBl 2013 6857).

125 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

126 Inserted by Annex No 7 of the FA of 20 June 2014 (Consolidation of Oversight of Audit Companies), in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 4073; BBl 2013 6857).

Art. 18a127 Public directory

1 FINMA shall maintain a directory of the financial intermediaries under Article 2 paragraph 3 that are affiliated to a self-regulatory organisation. This directory shall be publicly accessible online.

2 FINMA shall make the data available via remote access.

127 Inserted by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

Art. 20131 Activity without affiliation to a self-regulatory organisation

1 FINMA may take supervisory action in accordance with Articles 29 to 37 of the FINMASA132 against financial intermediaries who fail to comply with the duty to be affiliated to a recognised self-regulatory organisation in accordance with Article 14 paragraph 1.

2 It may order the liquidation of legal entities and general and limited partnerships, and the deletion of sole proprietorships from the commercial register.

131 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

132 SR 956.1

Section 3b134 Passing on Data on Terrorist Activities

134 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

Art. 22a

1 The Federal Department of Finance (FDF) shall pass on to FINMA, the FGB, the intercantonal authority and the Central Office data which it has received from another State and which have been published by that State on persons and organisations that have been placed on a list in the State concerned on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001)135 due to terrorist activities or support thereof.136

2 FINMA shall pass on the data received from the FDF to:

a.137
the financial intermediaries under its supervision in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 2 letters a and b-dquater;
b.138
the supervisory organisations for the attention of the financial intermediaries in accordance with Article 2 letter abis that are subject to their ongoing supervision;
c.
the self-regulatory organisations for the attention of the financial intermediaries affiliated to them.

3 The FGB, the intercantonal authority and the Central Office shall pass on the data received from the FDF to the financial intermediaries under their supervision in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 2 letters e to g.139

4 The FDF shall not pass any data on to FINMA, the FGB, the intercantonal authority or the Central Office if, after consulting the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the FDJP, the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, it must assume that human rights or principles of the rule of law would be violated.140

135 www.un.org > English > Peace and Security > Security Council > Resolutions > 2001 > 1373

136 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

137 Amended by No I 8 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Adaptation of Federal Law to Developments in Distributed Ledger Technology, in force since 1 Aug. 2021 (AS 2021 33, 399; BBl 2020 233).

138 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

139 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

140 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Section 4 Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (the Reporting Office)

Art. 23

1 The Federal Office of Police141 shall manage the Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (the Reporting Office).

2 The Reporting Office shall examine and analyse the reports received. If necessary, it shall obtain additional information in accordance with Article 11a.142.

3 It shall maintain its own information system to combat money laundering and its predicate offences, organised crime and terrorist financing.143

4 It must notify the responsible prosecution authority immediately if it has reasonable grounds to suspect that:

a.144
an offence as defined in Articles 260ter Number 1, 305bis or 305ter SCC145 has been committed;
b.146
assets are the proceeds of a felony or an aggravated tax misdemeanour under Article 305bis number 1bis SCC;
c.147
assets are subject to the power of disposal of a criminal or terrorist organisation; or
d.
assets serve the financing of terrorism (Art. 260quinquies para. 1 SCC).148

5 If it transmits the information reported by a financial intermediary under Article 9 paragraph 1 letter a of this Act or under Article 305ter paragraph 2 of the SCC to a prosecution authority, it shall inform the financial intermediary thereof, provided the financial intermediary has not terminated the business relationship in accordance with Article 9b.149

6 ….150

141 The title of this administrative entity has been amended in application of Art. 16 para. 3 of the Publication O of 17 Nov. 2004 (AS 2004 4937).

142 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013, in force since 1 Nov. 2013 (AS 2013 3493; BBl 2012 6941).

143 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

144 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

145 SR 311.0

146 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

147 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

148 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

149 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605). Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

150 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605). Repealed by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, with effect from 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Section 5 Self-Regulatory Organisations

Art. 24 Recognition

1 Organisations are recognised as self-regulatory organisations if they:

a.
have regulations in accordance with Article 25;
b.
supervise their affiliated financial intermediaries with regard to compliance with their duties in terms of Chapter 2; and
c.
provide the guarantee of irreproachable business conduct and ensure that the persons and audit firms they instruct to carry out inspections:151
1.
possess the required specialist knowledge,
2.
provide the required guarantees that inspections will be carried out properly, and
3.
are independent of the management and administration of financial intermediaries being inspected;
d.152
ensure that the audit firms they instruct to carry out inspections and lead auditors fulfil the requirements under Article 24a.

2 The self-regulatory organisations of the licensed transport undertakings under the Public Transport Act of 20 March 2009153 must be independent of their respective managements.154

Art. 24a155 Licensing of audit firms and lead auditors

1 The self-regulatory organisation shall grant the audit firms and lead auditors the necessary licence and supervise their activity.

2 The audit firm shall be licensed if:

a.
it is licensed as an auditor by the Federal Audit Oversight Authority in accordance with Article 6 of the Auditor Oversight Act of 16 December 2005156;
b.
it is adequately organised for this audit; and
c.
it does not perform any other activity requiring authorisation under the financial market acts in accordance with Article 1 paragraph 1 of the FINMASA157.

3 The lead auditor shall be licensed to lead audits in accordance with paragraph 1 if he or she:

a.
is licensed as an auditor by the Federal Audit Oversight Authority in accordance with Article 5 of the Auditor Oversight Act;
b.
has the necessary specialist knowledge and the necessary practical experience for performing audits in accordance with paragraph 1.

4 Article 17 of the Auditor Oversight Act applies by analogy to the self-regulatory organisation's withdrawal of the licence granted to audit firms and lead auditors in accordance with paragraph 1, as well as to its issuing of a reprimand.

151 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

152 Inserted by Annex No 7 of the FA of 20 June 2014 (Consolidation of Oversight of Audit Companies) (AS 2014 4073; BBl 2013 6857). Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

153 SR 745.1

154 Amended by Annex No II 3 of the Postal Services Organisation Act of 17 Dec. 2010, in force since 1 Oct. 2012 (AS 2012 5043; BBl 2009 5265).

155 Inserted by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

156 SR 221.302

157 SR 956.1

Art. 25 Regulations

1 Self-regulatory organisations must issue regulations.

2 The regulations shall specify the duties of diligence of their affiliated financial intermediaries within the meaning of Chapter 2 and stipulate how these duties must be fulfilled.

3 They shall further stipulate:

a.
the requirements for the affiliation and exclusion of financial intermediaries;
b.
how compliance with the duties in terms of Chapter 2 is monitored;
c.
appropriate penalties.
Art. 26 Lists

1 The self-regulatory organisations must maintain lists of their affiliated financial intermediaries and of persons to whom they refuse affiliation.

2 They must notify FINMA of these lists and of any amendments thereto.158

158 Amended by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

Art. 26a159 Swiss group companies

1 FINMA may provide for financial intermediaries in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 3 that are Swiss group companies of a financial intermediary in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 2 letters a-dquater that proof of compliance with the obligations specified in Chapter 2 may be provided in the audit report for the group.160

2 FINMA shall publish a list of group companies in accordance with paragraph 1.

159 Inserted by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

160 Amended by No I 8 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Adaptation of Federal Law to Developments in Distributed Ledger Technology, in force since 1 Aug. 2021 (AS 2021 33, 399; BBl 2020 233).

Art. 27161 Exchange of information and duty to report162

1 The self-regulatory organisations and FINMA may mutually exchange any information or documents that they require in order to fulfil their duties.

2 The self-regulatory organisations shall notify FINMA of:

a.
terminations of memberships;
b.
decisions on the refusal of affiliation;
c.
decisions to exclude and the reasons therefor;
d.
the opening of sanctions proceedings that may end in exclusion.

3 They shall provide FINMA with a report at least once each year on their activities in terms of this Act together with a list of decisions on sanctions issued during the period covered by the report.

4 They shall immediately submit a report to the Reporting Office if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that:163

a.164
a criminal offence under Article 260ter or 305bis of the Swiss Criminal Code165 has been committed;
b.166
assets are the proceeds of a felony or an aggravated tax misdemeanour under Article 305bis number 1bis SCC;
c.167
assets are subject to the power of disposal of a criminal or terrorist organisation; or
d.168
assets serve the financing of terrorism (Art. 260quinquies para. 1 SCC).

5 The duty under paragraph 4 does not apply if a report has already been filed by a financial intermediary affiliated to a self-regulatory organisation.

161 Amended by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

162 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

163 Amended by Annex 2 No 3 of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

164 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

165 SR 311.0

166 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

167 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

168 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

Art. 28169 Withdrawal of recognition

1 FINMA shall not withdraw recognition from a self-regulatory organisation under Article 37 of the FINMASA170 without prior warning.

2 If a self-regulatory organisation has its recognition withdrawn, its affiliated financial intermediaries must submit a request for affiliation with another self-regulatory organisation within two months.171

3 and 4 ...172

169 Amended by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

170 SR 956.1

171 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

172 Repealed by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, with effect from 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

Chapter 4 Administrative Assistance

Section 1 Cooperation among Domestic Authorities

Art. 29 Exchange of information among authorities173

1 FINMA, the FGB, the intercantonal authority, the Central Office and the Reporting Office may provide each other with any information they require for the application of this Act.174

2 The federal, cantonal and communal authorities shall if requested by the Reporting Office or the central offices of the Federal Criminal Police pass on to the Reporting Office or the said central offices all the data required for the analyses in relation to combating money laundering, its predicate offences, organised crime or the financing of terrorism.175 The data include in particular financial information and other sensitive personal data obtained in criminal, administrative criminal and administrative proceedings, including those from pending proceedings.176

2bis The Reporting Office may provide, on a case-by-case basis, the authorities referred to in paragraph 2 with information in individual cases provided the authorities use the information exclusively for combating money laundering, its predicate offences, organised crime or the financing of terrorism. Article 30 paragraphs 2-5 applies by analogy.177

2ter The Reporting Office may only pass on information from foreign reporting offices with their express consent to the authorities referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 for the purposes specified in paragraph 2bis.178

3 The Reporting Office shall inform FINMA, the FGB, the intercantonal authority and the Central Office of the decisions of the cantonal prosecution authorities.179

173 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

174 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

175 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

176 Second sentence amended by Annex 1 No II 95 of the Data Protection Act of 25 Sept. 2020, in force since 1 Sept. 2023 (AS 2022 491; BBl 2017 6941).

177 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

178 Inserted by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605). Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

179 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 29a180 Prosecution authorities

1 The prosecution authorities shall notify the Reporting Office without delay of any pending proceedings connected with Articles 260ter, 260quinquies paragraph 1, 305bis and 305ter paragraph 1 SCC181.182 They shall provide the Reporting Office without delay with judgements and decisions on the closure of proceedings, including the grounds therefor.

2 They shall also notify the Reporting Office without delay of rulings that they have issued on the basis of a report from the Reporting Office.

2bis They shall use the information passed on by the Reporting Office in accordance with the conditions laid down by the Reporting Office in each individual case in accordance with Article 29 paragraph 2ter.183

3 They may provide FINMA, the FGB, the intercantonal authority and the Central Office with all the information and documents they request in the course of performing their task, provided that this is not prejudicial to the criminal proceedings.184

4 FINMA, the FGB, the intercantonal authority and the Central Office shall coordinate any interventions in relation to a financial intermediary with the competent prosecution authorities. They shall consult the competent prosecution authorities before passing on any information or documents received.185

180 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Feb. 2009 (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269).

181 SR 311.0

182 Amended by Annex No II 6 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427).

183 Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

184 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

185 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Section 1a186 Cooperation with Supervisory Organisations and Self-Regulatory Organisations

186 Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 29b

1 The Reporting Office may exchange with the supervisory organisations and self-regulatory organisations all information that is necessary for the application of this Act.

2 It may only pass on information from prosecution authorities with their express consent to supervisory organisations and self-regulatory organisations.

3 It may only pass on information from foreign reporting offices with their express consent and exclusively for the purposes specified in Article 29 paragraph 2bis to supervisory organisations and self-regulatory organisations.

Section 2 Cooperation with Foreign Authorities

Art. 30187 Cooperation with foreign reporting offices

1 The Reporting Office may pass on the personal data and other information that are in its possession or that it may obtain under this Act to a foreign reporting office provided that office:

a.
guarantees that it will use the information solely for the purpose of analysis in the context of combating money laundering and its predicate offences, organised crime or terrorist financing;
b.
guarantees that it will reciprocate on receipt of a similar request from Switzerland;
c.
guarantees that official and professional secrecy will be preserved;
d.
guarantees that it will not pass on the information received to third parties without the express consent of the Reporting Office; and
e.
will comply with the conditions and restrictions imposed by the Reporting Office.

2 It may pass on the following information in particular:

a.188the name of the financial intermediary or the dealer, provided the anonymity is preserved of the person making the report or who has complied with a duty to provide information under this Act;
b.
account holders, account numbers and account balances;
c.
beneficial owners;
d.
details of transactions.

3 Information is passed on in the form of a report.

4 The Reporting Office may consent to information being passed on by the foreign reporting office to a third authority provided the latter guarantees that:

a.
it will use the information solely:
1.
for the purpose of analysis in the context of combating money laundering and its predicate offences, organised crime or terrorist financing, or
2.
to institute criminal proceedings relating to money laundering and its predicate offences, organised crime or terrorist financing or to obtain evidence in response to a request for mutual assistance relating to such criminal proceedings;
b.
they will not use the information to prosecute offences that are not offences predicate to money laundering under Swiss law;
c.
they will not use the information in evidence; and
d.
they will preserve official or professional secrecy.

5 If the request to pass on the information to a foreign third authority concerns a matter that is the subject of criminal proceedings in Switzerland, the Reporting Office shall first obtain the consent of the public prosecutor's office responsible for the proceedings.

6 The Reporting Office is entitled to make more detailed arrangements on the modalities of cooperation with foreign reporting offices.

187 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013, in force since 1 Nov. 2013 (AS 2013 3493; BBl 2012 6941).

188 Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

Art. 31189 Refusal to provide information

A request for information from a foreign reporting office shall not be granted if:

a.
the request has no connection with Switzerland;
b.
the request requires the application of procedural compulsion or other measures or acts for which Swiss law stipulates mutual assistance procedures or another procedure regulated in special legislation or an international treaty;
c.
national interests or public security and order will be prejudiced.

189 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013, in force since 1 Nov. 2013 (AS 2013 3493; BBl 2012 6941).

Art. 31a190 Applicable provisions of the Federal Act of 7 October 1994 on Central Offices of the Federal Criminal Police

Unless this Act provides otherwise in relation to data processing and administrative assistance provided by the Reporting Office, the first and fourth sections of the Federal Act of 7 October 1994191 on the Central Offices of the Federal Criminal Police apply by analogy.

190 Inserted by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013, in force since 1 Nov. 2013 (AS 2013 3493; BBl 2012 6941).

191 SR 360

Art. 32 Cooperation with foreign prosecution authorities192

1 The cooperation of the Reporting Office with foreign prosecution authorities is governed by Article 13 paragraph 2 of the Federal Act of 7 October 1994193 on the Central Offices of the Federal Criminal Police.

2 ...194

3 The name of the person who made the report on behalf of the financial intermediary or the dealer or who complied with the duty to provide information under Article 11a may not be passed on by the Reporting Office to foreign prosecution authorities.195

192 Amended by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013, in force since 1 Nov. 2013 (AS 2013 3493; BBl 2012 6941).

193 SR 360

194 Repealed by No I of the FA of 21 June 2013, with effect from 1 Nov. 2013 (AS 2013 3493; BBl 2012 6941).

195 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (AS 2009 361; BBl 2007 6269). Amended by No I 7 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1389; BBl 2014 605).

Chapter 5 Processing of Personal Data

Art. 34 Databases and files in connection with the reports and the information submitted to the Reporting Office198

1 Financial intermediaries must maintain separate databases and files containing all documentation relating to reports made in accordance with Article 9 of this Act or Article 305ter paragraph 2 of the SCC199 and to enquiries made by the Reporting Office in accordance with Article 11a.200

2 They may pass on data from these databases and files solely to FINMA, the FGB, the intercantonal authority, the Central Office, supervisory organisations, self-regulatory organisations, the Reporting Office and the prosecution authorities.201

3 The right to information of data subjects in accordance with Article 25 of the Data Protection Act of 25 September 2020202 on must be asserted vis-à-vis the Reporting Office (Art. 35).203

4 The data must be destroyed five years after the report is filed.

198 Amended by Annex 2 No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Sept. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

199 SR 311.0

200 Amended by Annex 2 No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Sept. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

201 Amended by Annex 2 No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Sept. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

202 SR 235.1

203 Amended by Annex 2 No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Sept. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 35 Processing by the Reporting Office

1 The processing of personal data by the Reporting Office is governed by the Federal Act of 7 October 1994204 on the Central Offices of the Federal Criminal Police. The right of private individuals to information is governed by Article 8 of the Federal Act of 13 June 2008205 on Federal Police Information Systems.206

2 The Reporting Office may exchange information with FINMA, the FGB, the intercantonal authority, the Central Office and the prosecution authorities via remote access.207

204 SR 360

205 SR 361

206 Amended by Annex 1 No 9 of the FA of 13 June 2008 on Federal Police Information Systems, in force since 5 Dec. 2008 (AS 2008 4989; BBl 2006 5061).

207 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 35a208 Verification

1 In order to fulfil its duties, the Reporting Office may by means of a computerised access procedure verify whether a person reported or notified to it is listed in any of the following databases:

a.
the National Police Index;
b.
the Central Migration Information System;
c.209
the Register of Criminal Records Information System VOSTRA;
d.
the State Security Information System;
e.
the person, file and case management system used in the field of mutual assistance in criminal matters.

2 The right of access for further information is governed by the provisions applicable to the information system concerned.

208 Inserted by Annex 1 No 9 of the FA of 13 June 2008 on Federal Police Information Systems, in force since 5 Dec. 2008 (AS 2008 4989; BBl 2006 5061).

209 Amended by Annex 1 No 14 of the Criminal Records Register Act of 17 June 2016, in force since 23 Jan. 2023 (AS 2022 600; BBl 2014 5713).

Chapter 6 Criminal Provisions and Procedure

Art. 37211 Violation of the duty to report

1 Any person who fails to comply with the duty to report in terms of Article 9 shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 500,000 francs.

2 If the offender acts through negligence, he or she shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 150,000 francs.

3 ...212

211 Amended by Annex No 17 of the Financial Market Supervision Act of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5207; BBl 2006 2829).

212 Repealed by Annex No 12 of the Financial Market Infrastructure Act of 19 June 2015, with effect from 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 5339; BBl 2014 7483).

Art. 38213 Violation of the duty to verify

1 Any dealer that wilfully violates the duty under Article 15 to appoint an audit firm shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 100,000 francs.

2 If the dealer acts through negligence, it shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 10,000 francs.

213 Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Chapter 7 Final Provisions

Art. 41215 Implementation

1 The Federal Council shall issue the provisions required for the implementation of this Act.

2 It may authorise FINMA, the FGB, the FDJP and the FOCBS to issue implementing provisions on matters of limited scope and in particular on matters of a primarily technical nature.216

215 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on the Implementation of the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 361 6401; BBl 2007 6269).

216 Amended by Annex 2 No 1 of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2021 656; 2022 551; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 42217 Transitional provision to the Amendment of 15 June 2018

1 Financial intermediaries as defined in Article 2 paragraph 3 which at the time of the entry into force of the amendment to this Act of 15 June 2018 have FINMA authorisation in accordance with Article 14 must join a recognised self-regulatory organisation. They must submit their request within one year. They may continue to perform their activity until a decision has been made concerning their request.

2 The final provisions of the PMCA218 apply to trade assayers and group companies subject to the PMCA.219

217 Amended by Annex No II 15 of the Financial Institutions Act of 15 June 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2020 (AS 2018 5247, 2019 4631; BBl 2015 8901).

218 SR 941.31

219 Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2022 (AS 2021 656; BBl 2019 5451).

Art. 44 Referendum and commencement

1 This Act is subject to an optional referendum.

2 The Federal Council determines the date on which this Act comes into force.

Commencement Date: 1 April 1998220

220 FCD of 16 March 1998.