EMI licensing in Switzerland

This guide elucidates the essential elements of EMI licensing in Switzerland, including capital requisites, corporate governance, AML/KYC compliance, and other procedural necessities vital for securing this endorsement. The intent is to furnish readers with an in-depth understanding of the critical nature and procedural specifics of obtaining authorization for operating electronic payment institutions, underscoring its significance for enterprises in the digital payments' arena.

Regulatory authorization for EMIs in Switzerland

The license to operate EMIs in Switzerland is a pivotal regulatory instrument that permits companies to officially issue and manage digital payment mediums. This credential, issued by the FINMA, is indispensable for participation in the virtual payments sector within this jurisdiction.

Significance of the EMI license

• Regulatory clarity and consumer protection: the license to operate electronic money institutions in Switzerland ensures operational transparency and safeguards user interests, including the security of their funds. The authorization signifies that companies conform to elevated standards of security and dependability.
• Access to European markets: the EMI license enables businesses to offer their services not only within Switzerland but across the entire EEA, facilitating business scalability and the acquisition of new international clients.
• Enhancement of corporate reputation: holding an EMI license in Switzerland is a significant marker of a company's reliability and stability, which aids in cultivating trust among potential partners and investors.

The role of FINMA

FINMA is instrumental in regulating and overseeing the operations of financial entities in Switzerland, including the authorization of EMI. As an independent governmental agency, FINMA ensures that all financial entities, including EMI license holders, adhere to Swiss financial market laws.

Core responsibilities

• Application evaluation: this process involves scrutinizing submitted documents for their completeness and adherence to prescribed standards. The assessment includes evaluating the governance structure, financial viability, business strategies, and compliance with AML/KYC protocols.
• License issuance: upon thorough evaluation and when an application meets all required criteria, FINMA grants a license to the applicant, permitting them to conduct digital money transactions. This stage of the licensing process encompasses not only document verification but may also include onsite inspections to assess the actual operational capabilities of the firm.
• Regulation and supervision: FINMA actively regulates and supervises the activities of all registered EMIs. This includes conducting regular audits and evaluations to ensure compliance with the financial and operational regulations stipulated by Swiss legislation.
• Enforcement: should there be any infractions of licensing conditions or other regulatory standards, FINMA is empowered to enforce sanctions, which can range from fines and temporary halts of operations to the revocation of licenses.

Fundamental requirements for issuing an EMI license in Switzerland

The criteria for the registration and operation of EMIs are rigorously defined to ensure adherence to legislation and protection of market participants' rights. These requirements span legal structuring, financial robustness, management qualifications, and the meticulous implementation of regulations aimed at preventing financial irregularities.

Legal entity registration

To commence the licensing process for digital payments in Switzerland, an applicant must first be officially registered as a legal entity within the country. Possible registrations include an LLC or a JSC. A fundamental stipulation is that the company's management must primarily occur within Switzerland, necessitating an operational office and directorate within the nation.

This requirement is substantive, underscoring the applicant's commitment to adhere to all local regulatory standards and legislation. A registered legal entity with operational management in Switzerland ensures full integration into the local economic environment and compliance with its corporate governance regulations. It also fosters trust between regulators and the company, which is crucial for effective operation within the financial services industry.

Capital requirements

For the establishment of an EMI in Switzerland, the stipulated minimum authorized capital is at least 300K CHF. This amount must not only be declared but also fully deposited into the company’s accounts, evidenced by official bank documents during the licensing application stage.

This capital threshold serves as a vital assurance to regulators and potential clients of the company's financial solidity and earnest intentions. Pre-payment of the authorized capital amount helps ensure adequate financial reserves to address potential operational risks and unforeseen financial losses during business operations.

Thus, this capital acts not only as a financial safety buffer but also signals to clients and partners the stability of the company. Confirmation of the required authorized capital through bank documents also builds trust with the financial community and regulators, highlighting the transparency and responsibility of the company's financial dealings.

C-level management structure

For organizations aiming to secure authorization to operate electronic money in Switzerland, it is imperative to establish an effective management structure. Regulations mandate a minimum of three individuals on the executive team, with at least one member residing permanently in Switzerland. This requirement ensures integration with the local economic and legal framework, thereby enhancing management quality and compliance with local statutes.

Key attributes for management team members include competence and professionalism, with necessary qualifications in financial management and a thorough understanding of financial risk regulation and compliance documentation. Experience in the financial sector and noteworthy achievements elevate confidence among supervisors and clients.

An unblemished reputation is equally crucial. Management team members must possess a flawless business record and no history of legal or financial misconduct. This ensures their capability to manage the company securely, which is pivotal for maintaining the stability and reliability of financial transactions.

Such stringent qualifications and management composition requirements not only reinforce the foundational stability of financial performance but also enhance the company's reputation in both Swiss and international financial markets. This approach boosts the confidence of business partners, investors, and clients who prioritize reliable and transparent financial services.

Transaction surveillance and suspicious activity reporting

It is crucial to maintain vigilant oversight of all financial transactions within the system. The organization should set up systems to detect unusual or suspicious transactions that may suggest money laundering or terrorist financing. Identified transactions must be promptly reported to the relevant supervisory authorities.

Procedure for securing an EMI license in Switzerland

The process to obtain an EMI in Switzerland is intricate and mandates strict adherence to all pertinent legal and regulatory frameworks. Here are the crucial stages each applicant must navigate to achieve successful licensure:

Each step in this procedure is critical to ensure compliance with Switzerland’s stringent regulatory standards and to successfully obtain an EMI license, enabling the company to operate within the Swiss financial ecosystem.

Audit requirements

Entities holding an EMI license in Switzerland must retain auditors accredited by FINMA. These auditors are tasked with conducting annual evaluations of the company's financial statements to verify their accuracy and compliance with established accounting standards. Audits are executed in accordance with Swiss regulations and may incorporate IFRS or GAAP as required.

Financial reporting obligations

EMI-licensed organizations are mandated to submit annual financial reports to FINMA by designated deadlines. These reports must include a balance sheet, an income statement, a cash flow statement, and appendices that detail significant financial and operational risks.

Tax responsibilities

Entities with an EMI license are required to pay corporate tax, with rates varying between 12% and 21% depending on the canton of establishment, reflecting Switzerland’s decentralized tax structure, which grants cantonal authorities the autonomy to set tax rates.

Additionally, EMIs may be liable for VAT on certain services they offer. The prevailing VAT rate in Switzerland stands at 8.1%, which significantly influences the pricing strategies of the services EMIs provide.

Transaction control measures

Moreover, companies are required to develop and maintain robust transaction control systems to identify and mitigate financial irregularities. This involves setting up systems to monitor and analyze all financial transactions conducted through their platforms.

The highlighted areas necessitate detailed scrutiny and proactive management by entities either seeking to obtain or currently holding an EMI license in Switzerland. Effective management of these financial protocols not only assists in reducing costs but also bolsters overall operational efficiency.

Benefits of EMI licensing in Switzerland

Securing an EMI license in Switzerland offers companies substantial advantages that can elevate their international competitiveness and foster sustained growth in the fintech sector.

A primary benefit of holding a Swiss EMI license is the access it grants to the European market. While Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it maintains close integration through various bilateral agreements. This arrangement eases Swiss companies' interactions with European counterparts and clients. The EMI license enables service provision within the EEA, greatly expanding the potential market for businesses.

Obtaining an EMI license in Switzerland considerably enhances a company's credibility. Known for its stringent financial regulations, Switzerland's licensing, overseen by FINMA, signals a high standard of quality and reliability. Such endorsements fortify organizational legitimacy and stability, thus boosting trust among clients and partners, which can lead to an expanded clientele.

For fintech organizations, the authority to operate under an EMI license in Switzerland is a strategic asset. It enables innovation in the delivery of financial services and provides the flexibility to develop and implement cutting-edge technological solutions. This capability facilitates the adoption of best practices in electronic money management and customer service, fostering innovation and enhancing competitive advantage.

The financial sector, particularly in electronic money and payment systems, is dynamic, often experiencing shifts in regulatory frameworks. In Switzerland and the European Union, discussions and implementations of new regulatory standards aimed at enhancing financial security and consumer protection are ongoing. Future regulatory adjustments may introduce more stringent controls on fintech companies, necessitating adaptability to increased transparency demands.

Consulting services by YB CASE

YB CASE, specializing in corporate law consulting, offers invaluable assistance throughout the EMI licensing process in Switzerland. Services provided include:

• Support in compiling and registering necessary documents for submission to FINMA.
• Evaluating your company's current operations and aligning them with Swiss legal standards.
• Offering legal assistance throughout the licensing journey, from application submission to license acquisition and maintenance.
• Providing insights into forthcoming legal changes and aiding businesses in adjusting to new regulatory environments.