Basel as a centre of banking policy

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Basel's importance for the financial centre derives above all from the institutions that shape banking policy. The Swiss Bankers Association, headquartered in Basel since its foundation in 1912, represents the Swiss banks in the legislative process, negotiates with the authorities, develops self-regulatory standards and represents the Swiss banks internationally. Its positions on the too-big-to-fail regime, the exchange of tax information, sustainable finance and the access of Swiss banks to foreign markets influence Swiss financial policy.¹

The Bank for International Settlements and the committees it hosts set the international standards that Swiss regulation implements: the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision for bank capital and liquidity, the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures for payment systems and financial market infrastructures, the Financial Stability Board for the coordination of financial stability policies, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors for insurance, and the International Association of Deposit Insurers. Part F examines these institutions in detail. Their presence in Basel means that the rules that govern the banks of the world are negotiated in the city.

The combination of these institutions makes Basel a place where the theory and the practice of banking regulation meet. Central bankers, supervisors, bankers, economists and lawyers from all over the world come to Basel for meetings, conferences and negotiations. The city offers them a neutral, discreet and efficient setting, as it offered one to the participants of the Council of 1431.

Notes

On the role and positions of the Swiss Bankers Association, headquartered in Basel, see its publications. To be verified. ↩

For general information only. This article does not constitute legal or tax advice, does not replace advice on an individual case and creates no lawyer-client relationship. It reflects the legal position as of August 2025.

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Dr Alexander Ressos, TEP

Rechtsanwalt/Attorney-at-Law

I am a Swiss attorney-at-law and also admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong and in England & Wales, with almost 25 years of experience.

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Basel as a centre of banking policy

Notes

Setting up or expanding in Switzerland?