Author Archives: Peter Ch. Hsu

Position Paper regarding selected Aspects of the Financial Services Act (FinSA)

With the entry into force of the Swiss Financial Services Act (FinSA) as of 1 January 2020, new regulatory duties and requirements for Swiss and foreign financial service providers which are active in Switzerland or serve Swiss clients proactively on a cross-border basis were introduced. However, the practical application of the new law revealed that various newly introduced legal terms and concepts of the FinSA require more specific explanation and some statements made in the course of the implementation process require clarification.

The authors of this position paper are practicing lawyers working with various Zurich based law firms who regularly exchange views on new legal developments and share their experience in the application and implementation of the law. The views and positions expressed in this position paper are those of the individual contributing authors and not those of the respective law firms or other market participants.

(Reference: CapLaw-2021-30)

Insurance Supervision Act – Overview of the Ongoing Revision

On 21 October 2020, the Swiss Federal Council published the draft of the revised Insurance Supervision Act together with a dispatch to Swiss Parliament. The revised act is expected to enter into force by 2022 at the earliest. This article provides an overview and discusses selected key topics of the revision.

By Peter Ch. Hsu* (Reference: CapLaw-2021-01)

New Regulatory Guidelines on Operational Risks and Remuneration Schemes for Banks, Securities Dealers and Financial Groups/Conglomerates

On 1 November 2016, FINMA published the revised circulars 2008/21 on “Operational risks – banks” and 2010/1 on “Remuneration schemes” which both have been revised in the context of the new FINMA circular 2017/1 “Corporate governance – banks”. The most significant changes pertain to i) the adoption of minimum requirements for the regulation of IT and cyber risks in the revised circular 2008/21 as well as ii) a narrowed scope of application and the prohibition of hedge transactions in the revised circular 2010/1. Both revised circulars will enter into force on 1 July 2017.

By Peter Ch. Hsu / Sandro Fehlmann (Reference: CapLaw-2017-26)

New Regulatory Guidelines on Corporate Governance for Banks, Securities Dealers and Financial Groups/Conglomerates (FINMA Circular 2017/1)

On 1 November 2016, FINMA published its new circular 2017/1 on “Corporate governance – banks” streamlining the regulatory framework on corporate governance for banks, securities dealers, financial groups and conglomerates by defining partially revised minimum requirements and underlying principles. The new circular consolidates and replaces three former FINMA circulars and addresses the experiences made in the financial crisis as well as the revised international standards. The most significant changes pertain to i) FINMA’s commitment to a more principle based approach and consistent application of the principle of proportionality, ii) the introduction of provisions for the audit and risk committee of the governing body as well as iii) the possibility to delegate the internal audit function to another unregulated group company, provided such group company fulfills certain minimum requirements regarding capabilities and resources. The new circular will enter into force on 1 July 2017.

By Peter Ch. Hsu / Sandro Fehlmann (Reference: CapLaw-2017-17)

Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) Position Paper on Distribution Rules

In the aftermath of the turmoil on the global financial markets which has become prominently known and felt since the year 2008, FINMA, first in its discussion paper on regulating the production and distribution of financial products to retail clients (Distribution Report) and now in its position paper on the regulation of the production and distribution of financial products (Position Paper on Distribution Rules) has made proposals on how to better protect clients investing in financial products. This article provides a summary overview over the 18 key points which FINMA makes in its Position Paper on Distribution Rules and, to some extent, puts them into perspective.