An estimated CHF 2.5 trillion currently sits in Swiss bank accounts – much of it belonging to foreign nationals. For decades, this small Alpine state and its discreet banking culture have attracted the ultra-wealthy, corporate leaders and politicians from around the world. But is Switzerland still the financial haven of old? Or is this a myth that’s long been overtaken by regulatory reality? Between tax transparency, geopolitical neutrality and a new generation of investors, the question now is: Is a Swiss account still a smart strategic move?
Switzerland’s New Role as a Financial Hub
For years, discretion was the key selling point of a Swiss account. Money moved quietly – and rarely for tax reasons alone. In the 1980s and 90s, having an account in Geneva, Lugano or Zurich was a statement of status. Today, the landscape has changed. Switzerland has spent the past decade cooperating closely with international authorities, signing data-sharing agreements and largely closing the door on tax evasion. So, what remains?
A highly regulated, politically stable, economically advanced jurisdiction with world-class banks – and a reputation that still carries weight. A walk through Zurich reveals a city that doesn’t just advertise security, it lives it. Glass towers, quiet streets, discreet business lunches over fish and white wine in the lakeside district.
Lifestyle is part of the equation too. Those who park their capital in Zurich often want to spend time there themselves – in comfort and style. That lifestyle is complemented not only by Switzerland’s refined cuisine, but also, on request, by High Class Escort Zurich.
The Strength – and Limits – of the Swiss Franc
The Swiss franc is widely viewed as a safe haven. In June 2025, it hit 0.808 USD/CHF – up 11% since January – while the euro dropped to 0.93 EUR/CHF. Inflation stayed low at 0.3% (as of December 2024), preserving real purchasing power.
Safe, but with trade-offs: The strong franc pressures Swiss exporters, prompting the SNB to consider cutting its 0.25% rate. Still, capital inflows continue: the franc gained nearly 9% against the dollar in a year, and two-year bonds now yield below zero – underscoring investor trust.
What’s Driving Switzerland’s Crypto Boom?
In Zug – known as “Crypto Valley” – more than 1,000 blockchain and crypto firms have set up shop. From Ethereum to Cardano to emerging DeFi platforms, the canton has become one of the world’s top destinations for digital asset innovation. What many don’t realise: traditional institutions such as the Zürcher Kantonalbank and Sygnum Bank now offer direct access to crypto investments through regulated channels – a level of maturity unmatched by most of Europe.
Switzerland was one of the first countries to legally define digital assets. Its 2021 Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) legislation not only provides a legal framework for trading digital securities, but also covers custody, inheritance and tax treatment. The result: maximum legal clarity with minimal regulatory friction.
Global Investors Welcome
These days, many foreign nationals are entering the space. Interest in Bitcoin and similar assets is growing worldwide. In New Zealand, for example, a 2022 survey by the Financial Services Council found that around 9% of the population were already crypto investors – a record high. That trend is fuelled by easier access to crypto platforms, broader awareness and hopes of strong returns.
Switzerland offers an alternative route into crypto for non-residents. Options include:
- Opening a custodial account with a crypto bank such as Sygnum or SEBA (remote onboarding available)
- Wallet custody and trading via banks or partner exchanges such as Bitcoin Suisse
- Crypto asset management through family offices or specialist funds based in Zurich or Zug
A standard KYC (Know Your Customer) process and proof of funds origin are required. Increasingly, High-Net-Worth Individuals are integrating Swiss-based crypto investments into their global portfolios – including tokenised property funds, blockchain-native shares, or even NFTs held in regulated custody models.
While other countries are still in exploratory phases, Switzerland already offers a fully operational, legally secure crypto ecosystem – supported by political neutrality, robust institutions and a historically stable currency. For investors seeking not just innovation but protection, that combination is hard to beat.
Meanwhile, other jurisdictions are beginning to explore the possibilities of digital currencies more cautiously. In April 2024, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand launched a public consultation on introducing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) – signalling growing institutional interest, but also highlighting the regulatory distance still to be travelled in markets like New Zealand