The memory of the crises in Genevan identity

Read the PDF edition (1 page)

The trials of the Republic have left lasting traces in the collective memory. The Escalade of 1602 is commemorated every December with processions, songs and the famous chocolate cauldron. The Restoration of 31 December 1813 is the object of an official celebration, and the landing of the Confederates at Port-Noir in 1814 is likewise remembered.¹

These commemorations sustain an identity founded on resistance to external threats, attachment to independence and membership of Switzerland. They remind Genevans that the security of their city was won and that there is nothing self-evident about it. This historical awareness feeds a culture of vigilance, which can be seen in the way the financial centre approaches political and regulatory risk.

For international clients, this identity contributes to the image of a financial centre rooted in a long history, attached to its institutions and capable of coming through crises. That image forms part of Geneva’s reputational capital, which bankers put forward in their communications. It has value only if it matches the reality of contemporary practice.

Notes

Wikipedia (fr), “Restauration genevoise”: “Every year since 1814, the Restoration has been celebrated on the morning of 31 December, a public holiday in the canton. It begins at dawn with a salute of 26 cannon shots”; Archives d’État de Genève, “Arrivée des Suisses au Port-Noir le 1er juin 1814” (commemoration of 1 June). ↩

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.

English

Contact

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.

Get in touch →

The memory of the crises in Genevan identity

Notes

Setting up or expanding in Switzerland?