26 February 2026

The Erosion of Swiss Banking Reliability

Frank Salvato

For more than a century, wealthy families did not simply deposit funds with Swiss banks—they sought a sanctuary. Switzerland offered what few jurisdictions could promise: neutrality in turbulent times, stability amid political swings, and a near-sacred respect for private capital and secrecy.

Switzerland’s standing as a financial sanctuary has floundered. Political gamesmanship and an increasingly aggressive compliance regime have combined to reshape the country’s once-unassailable brand. For global family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals who require discretion and predictability, Switzerland is no longer a viable choice.

The most dramatic rupture came in March 2023, when Credit Suisse collapsed and was forced into an emergency takeover.

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