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Glossary

FinIA (Financial Institutions Act)

FinIA (Financial Institutions Act) is the Swiss federal statute that, since 2020, uniformly governs the licensing requirements and Prudential Supervision of wealth managers, trustees, and other financial institutions. Together with FinSA, it forms the two central pillars of Swiss financial market regulation.

At a glance

01

In force since 1 January 2020 (SR 954.1); replaced the previous self-regulation framework for independent asset managers.

02

Defines categories of financial institutions with graduated requirements: wealth managers, trustees, fund management companies, and securities firms (FinIA Art. 2).

03

Obliges wealth managers to affiliate with a Supervisory Organisation recognised by FINMA (FinIA Art. 7).

Frequently asked questions

FinIA specifies the minimum organisational, personnel, and financial requirements a wealth manager must meet to obtain a FINMA Licence. It governs capital adequacy, internal controls, the fitness of responsible persons, and ongoing reporting obligations to the Supervisory Organisation.

Sources: FINMA · Systematische Rechtssammlung (fedlex)