Press Conference 2026

A competitive Financial Center: an asset for today, a challenge for tomorrow

The international competitiveness of the Swiss financial center is a major concern for the players in the sector as well as for the population. Only 27% of Swiss citizens believe that the Swiss financial center is more competitive than its rivals, compared to 54% ten years ago. If Switzerland is to remain at the top of the global ranking for cross-border wealth on a par with Hong Kong, it cannot rest on its laurels. The diversity of its international clients is a major asset, but it will not suffice if the other financial centers grow while Switzerland increases regulatory hurdles beyond international standards. Competitiveness must be a political priority more than ever, with decisive action on three levers: proportionate regulation, ambitious promotion of the Financial Center and improved access to the European market. 

Switzerland is facing difficult decisions with regard to its competitiveness, its innovative capacity and its value creation. Future decisions on financial regulation and access to the European market will have a lasting impact on its economic future. The Geneva Financial Center intends to weigh in on these debates with the adoption of a pragmatic approach and a long-term vision. 

Cyber security: the Financial Center is one step ahead as a result of collective action 

Cyber security represents a major challenge as well as a strategic opportunity for the Swiss financial sector. Faced with the proliferation of cyber attacks and increasingly sophisticated threats, trust and data protection are key to ensuring that the Swiss Financial Center remains attractive. Financial players in Switzerland have solid expertise and are strengthening their capacity to anticipate risks, detect threats and coordinate their response. The creation of the Swiss Financial Sector Cyber Security Centre (Swiss FS-CSC) is an example of the willingness to engage in collective action: by bringing together public and private operators around cyber security, this pioneering initiative, with an approach that is unrivaled anywhere in the world, positions Switzerland as a trailblazer.

Economic survey: dynamism and optimism 

For the second consecutive year, the results of the economic survey 2026-2027 demonstrate the strength and dynamism of the banking and financial sector despite the geopolitical turbulence, the introduction of customs tariffs by the United States and extreme foreign exchange volatility. Several indicators highlight the financial health of the banking institutions, asset managers and other financial intermediaries: net profit, assets under management and net capital inflows rose in the 1st half of 2026. Its legal certainty and political stability continue to make Geneva attractive for clients from the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The financial sector as a whole remains unaffected by the US tariff policy, although the dollar index value impacts the business performance of players that receive a significant part of their revenue in this currency. Taking into consideration all these factors, banks and asset managers are confident about 2027. 

• Presse Release
• Speech by Denis Pittet, President (only in French)
• Economic Survey 2026-2027
• Statistics (only in French)