Scenario 1: The augmented centre

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In the first scenario, artificial intelligence raises the productivity of Basel's financial institutions steadily without disrupting them. Relationship managers, analysts, compliance officers and lawyers use models as everyday tools that prepare their work and check its quality, while decisions and client relationships remain in human hands. Costs fall, service improves and the institutions of Basel take a leading role in the governance of the technology. The BIS and the Basel Committee develop standards for the use of AI by banks and central banks, which become as closely associated with the city as the Basel Accords.¹

In this scenario, Switzerland's principles-based regulation proves an advantage. FINMA's expectations evolve through guidance and supervisory practice, allowing institutions to adopt new tools quickly while maintaining sound governance. Swiss banks market their combination of technology and discretion to international clients. The language technology described above allows them to serve clients in many languages with small teams. The labour market adjusts gradually, because the gains in productivity are spread over a decade and the demand for qualified staff remains high. Indicators of this scenario would be rising productivity statistics in financial services, stable employment with changing skill profiles and an active role of Basel's institutions in international standard setting.

Notes

Scenario constructed by the author. On the role of the Basel Committee in setting standards, see Part F, Chapter II. ↩

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.

Together with my multilingual team, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian and French native speakers, I advise companies and their owners from around the world on the full range of banking, corporate, commercial and tax law matters in Switzerland, including international tax planning, fiduciary services, and legal family office services including immigration & relocation or real estate investments. My practice has a particular focus on clients from growth and frontier markets in Greater China, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the rest of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, and I equally advise clients from Europe and North America. Through an affiliated Swiss trust company, we also take care of the incorporation and ongoing administration of their companies and other structures, including accounting, tax returns and corporate secretarial services, and I serve as a professional director where required. With the support of a network of first-class cooperation partners, I also implement solutions worldwide.

My approach is to act as a trusted advisor who works directly with decision-makers, on an equal footing: I start from what you want to achieve and shape every structure, contract and tax decision around your commercial goals and how it improves your after-tax return. As “lawyers who make it happen”, my team and I stay involved until your company is set up, your structure is in place and your transaction has closed, and we remain available for any follow-on work that may be required. You benefit from bespoke solutions and personal attention, and sound, friendly and practical advice. We are not the lowest-cost provider in the market, nor do we intend to be; our aim is to deliver well-founded, proper solutions and excellent value for money.

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Scenario 1: The augmented centre

Notes

Setting up or expanding in Switzerland?