Guide
Institutional Structuring
Institutional investors structure assets through specialised vehicles that combine governance, tax status, and investment access. In Switzerland, investment foundations (Anlagestiftungen) are the central vehicle for occupational pension institutions, organised collectively, tax-exempt, and supervised by the Occupational Pension Supervisory Commission (OAK BVG). Classical foundations under the Civil Code serve charitable or family purposes with their own governance. Which structure fits depends on purpose, the circle of investors, and tax treatment. This knowledge hub frames the principal vehicles of institutional structuring.
The essentials
Investment foundations (Anlagestiftungen) are collective investment vehicles open exclusively to tax-exempt institutions of occupational pension provision and are supervised by the OAK BVG.
An investment foundation is itself tax-exempt as long as it serves occupational pension provision; its circle of investors is limited to qualified institutional investors within the second pillar.
Classical foundations under the Civil Code pursue a fixed, irrevocable purpose and are generally subject to foundation supervision (family foundations excepted); charitable foundations may be tax-exempt.
The choice of vehicle follows purpose, the circle of investors, the desired governance, and tax treatment; pension assets and private or charitable assets follow different rule sets.
Sources: OAK BVG · ASV · Swiss Civil Code · FTA
Frequently asked questions about Institutional Structuring
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