13.02.2013 - A package of measures is to be used to strengthen the stability of Switzerland's financial sector. In order to implement the international rules of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (Basel III), the Capital Adequacy Ordinance (CAO) has been completely revised.  The changes entered into force on 1 January 2013.

Big banks whose failure could do considerable harm to the Swiss economy will have to comply with supplementary capital and risk diversification requirements. In addition, they will have to present an effective emergency plan to the supervisory authority. The package also contains a mechanism for activating a countercyclical buffer and more risk-oriented requirements for the capital underpinning mortgage lending. In view of exorbitant mortgage debt and rising real estate prices, credit growth is to be curbed. This is why the countercyclical buffer is to be partially activated on 30 September 2013.