International tax compliance
International cooperation plays a key role in the tax system. Switzerland is also involved in devising multilateral solutions and implements international standards in the area of taxation.
The OECD defines tax havens as jurisdictions that do not comply with international tax standards and whose tax practices are deemed harmful internationally.
- Switzerland is an attractive business location that is compliant with all international tax standards.
- With the corporate tax reform of 2019, Switzerland abolished all tax regimes classified as harmful by the OECD and replaced them with internationally compatible rules. The OECD gave Switzerland written confirmation of this in 2020.
- Since 2019, international bodies have repeatedly confirmed Switzerland's correct implementation of international tax standards:
- country-by-country reports
- automatic exchange of information
- spontaneous exchange of information
- exchange of information upon request (administrative assistance)
- implementation of BEPS minimum standards.
Press releases on the topic
Too-big-to-fail regulations: Federal Council adopts dispatch and Capital Adequacy Ordinance
During its meeting on 22 April 2026, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the revision of the Banking Act. In the future, systemically important banks in Switzerland will have to fully back their participations in foreign subsidiaries with Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital. This targeted measure is key to strengthening financial stability. Parliament will be able to debate the legislative proposal from summer 2026. At the same time, the Federal Council amended the Capital Adequacy Ordinance. The amendments concern the capital backing for certain balance sheet items such as software, and will come into force on 1 January 2027. The solution proposed by the Federal Council is more moderate than planned, due to the results of the consultation procedure. In terms of capital requirements, the result is thus a balanced overall package that takes account of the comments received.
Switzerland at 2026 IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington
President Guy Parmelin and Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, as well as Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 15 to 17 April 2026. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, as well as a ministerial meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will also take place during the Spring Meetings. The Swiss delegation, led by Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, will additionally take the opportunity to hold bilateral talks.
Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter to visit her counterpart in United Kingdom
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter will meet her UK counterpart, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, in London on 24 March 2026. The ministers will discuss the agreement on mutual recognition in financial services and current geopolitical challenges, among other things.
State Secretariat for International Finance SIF
Bundesgasse 3
Switzerland - 3003 Bern