Major Banks in Switzerland

Major banks in Switzerland include private banks, foreign banks, and other financial institutions, such as UBS and Julius Baer.

In this article, we’re exploring the list of major banks in Switzerland. We’ll share details on how to open accounts with the largest financial companies and the largest banks in Switzerland and answer common questions we receive from people exploring this topic.

This article is part of our free series on the largest banks in Switzerland. You can access this series right now by using the link above.

In addition to detailed account opening guides, this free series on Swiss banking also discusses the largest banks in Switzerland, Switzerland’s opening requirements, the costs of banking in Switzerland, and much more. Use the link above to start exploring all of your free Swiss banking content right now.

Alternatively, use the table of contents to continue exploring more information on the major banks in Switzerland.

Table of Contents

  1. What Are the Major Banks in Switzerland?
  2. How to Open Bank Accounts With the Major Swiss Banks?
  3. Frequently Asked Switzerland Banking Questions
  4. Do You Want to Open a Switzerland Bank Account?

What Are the Major Banks in Switzerland?

The major banks in Switzerland include private, foreign, cantonal, and other financial institutions. These major financial institutions cater to a wide range of clientele, including foreign non-residents, Swiss residents, and private banking clients. 

There are a total of 243 financial institutions operating in Switzerland, below is a list of the five major Swiss banks.

Major Banks in Switzerland

  1. UBS
  2. Julius Baer
  3. Banque Heritage
  4. CIM Banque
  5. Union Bancaire Privée

The one thing these top financial companies, including the two largest banks in Switzerland, have in common is the fact that they are all private financial institutions. Switzerland is a private banking hub, catering to high-net-worth individuals seeking specialized financial services and who are willing to deposit a significant amount of money.

These five major Swiss private banks play a critical role in the country’s financial sector, offering a comprehensive range of banking services, including wealth management, asset management, investment banking, and much more.

Before applying, there are various factors you need to consider. We share these factors and more in the next section below.

How Do I Open Bank Accounts With Major Swiss Banks?

Opening a bank account with a major Swiss bank or one of the largest banks in Switzerland (by assets) is an easy process as long as you know which banks accept your profile, align with your banking needs, and have requirements you can meet.

Not all requirements are publicly available. This is especially true since requirements vary depending on your citizenship, residency, and banking needs.

It’s important to confirm with your chosen bank the documents, deposit amount, and other requirements your client profile needs to meet to successfully open a bank account.

If you are interested in learning more about banking in Switzerland, don’t forget to visit our comprehensive guide on banking in Switzerland, available in the link above.

Alternatively, if you would like to explore all of your offshore banking options, download our free guide and compare Switzerland to some of the top banking jurisdictions available.

Do You Want to Explore All Your Offshore Banking Options?

Frequently Asked Switzerland Banking Questions

Below are a few of the most common questions we receive from people exploring the major banks in Switzerland. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.

What Are the Top 3 Banks in Switzerland?

The top 3 banks in Switzerland are UBS, Credit Suisse, and Julius Baer Group. While all three banks offer exceptional wealth management financial services, UBS and Credit Suisse also offer investment banking services and retail banking services, whereas Julius Baer Group offers high-quality private banking services.

What’s the Largest Swiss Bank?

The largest Swiss bank is UBS. UBS Group AG has been in existence since June 1998. It is now the number one leading financial institution in the world and the largest financial institution in Switzerland, with total assets surpassing CHF 1.5 trillion.

What American Banks Are in Switzerland?

The American banks in Switzerland include Citibank, J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs Bank, and Bank Morgan Stanley.

Why Is Swiss Banking So Special?

Swiss banking is known for its expertise in private banking. Banks here are financially stable, well-managed, and renowned for specialized financial services. Such services include investment planning, wealth management, asset protection, estate planning, and much more. Switzerland is a preferred jurisdiction for high-net-worth individuals who can support a significantly high deposit amount and who are seeking tailored banking solutions.

Do You Want to Open a Switzerland Bank Account?

If so, you can access GlobalBanks IQ and start the process of applying in Switzerland in a few clicks.

GlobalBanks IQ is our flagship international bank account opening solution. It gives you instant access to the…

+ Expert insights on which banks to choose & why

+ Step-by-step reports to open bank accounts in the best banking hubs

+ GlobalBanks international bank database & detailed bank profiles

+ Tried & tested banks for high-risk, offshore, & non-resident clients

+ Plus, get YOUR most pressing bank account opening questions answered by our team!

And “yes!” GlobalBanks IQ helps foreigners and non-resident individuals open bank accounts.

In fact, GlobalBanks IQ even helps non-resident, foreign & offshore entities open bank accounts.

To learn more about opening accounts with GlobalBanks IQ, use the link in the top menu. Or, contact us directly with any questions!

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GlobalBanks Team
GlobalBanks Team

The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs. All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies.

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