An example: a trader’s due diligence report

Worked example. A Geneva metals trader employing 400 people and generating a turnover of USD 12 billion, of which USD 3 billion in the European Union, prepares its first due diligence report. It maps 180 direct suppliers in 25 countries, 40 of which are identified as high-risk for human rights or the environment. It conducts 25 on-site audits, terminates 4 relationships, launches improvement plans with 20 suppliers and documents its traceability procedures for copper and cobalt from Central Africa. The cost of the arrangement, covering staff, audits, systems and advice, reaches USD 2.5 million in the first year, or roughly 0.02 per cent of turnover. It determines the trader’s access to its European clients, its banks and its insurers, while reducing its exposure to the proceedings described in Chapter V. The report, published in French and in English, is examined by a Geneva non-governmental organisation, which notes its limitations without questioning its sincerity.

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 September 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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