Handbook for Investors. Business location in Switzerland.

Cantonal banks
Deposit Protection of Swiss Banks and Securities Dealers
www.kantonalbank.ch
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
www.einlagensicherung.ch
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
Association of Foreign Banks in Switzerland
www.foreignbanks.ch
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
Swiss Private Bankers Association
www.swissprivatebankers.com
Languages: German, English, French
9.1.5 Taxation of savings income
Switzerland supports the EU system of taxing cross-border interest
payments to individuals under the Savings Tax Agreement. Swiss
banks operate a system of tax retention (similar to Swiss withholding
tax) on interest income earned in Switzerland by persons
subject to EU taxation, currently at a rate of 15 % (to be raised
incrementally to 35 % by July 2011). This system of tax retention
ensures that the EU interest taxation system cannot be evaded
by switching to Switzerland, while at the same time ensuring that
Swiss laws and banking secrecy are upheld.
Taxation of savings income
Banking ombudsman
www.europa.admin.ch
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
www.bankingombudsman.ch
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
9.1.4 Protection of deposits
Since the increase enacted on December 22, 2008, deposits with
Swiss financial institutions are protected up to CHF 100,000 per
depositor. If the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority
(FINMA) initiates protective measures or forced liquidation proceedings
against a bank or securities dealer in Switzerland, the
members of the Swiss Banks’ and Securities Dealers’ Depositor
Protection Association provide funds so that the deposits deemed
preferential under the Banking Act can be paid out as quickly as
possible to depositors. All banks and securities dealers with a
branch in Switzerland are members of the association. However,
the maximum amount that members may be required to contribute
is capped at CHF 6 billion. By guaranteeing preferential deposits,
the association plays an important role in protecting creditors
and makes a key contribution to the reputation and stability of
Switzerland as a financial center.
9.2 Swiss stock market: SIX Swiss
Exchange.
The strength of the Swiss financial center, its position as a world
leader in cross-border private asset management and the associated
high level of financing and placing power enjoyed by its
banks, and the general attractiveness of Switzerland as a location
make the SIX Swiss Exchange extremely appealing for both
domestic and foreign companies. Foreign companies account
for 25% of the companies listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, a
higher proportion than any other exchange in Europe apart from
the London Stock Exchange (also 25%).
Public placement and listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange gives a
company access to an experienced, financially powerful group
of international investors. With an average of ten IPOs per year
in a positive market environment, transparency over transaction
volumes and a manageable range of listed companies, every
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