NZZ - Swiss International Finance Forum

Carrying on Switzerland’s success story

Switzerland is known for its political stability, functioning society and legal security. Recent political issues such as the “Minder” initiative, the lifting of bank-client confidentiality and the anti-immigration initiative will in future put a considerable strain on certain core elements of the Swiss success model. The disconnect between the demands of the global marketplace on the one hand and domestic expectations on the other poses tremendous challenges for the national economy and, in particular, the Swiss banking sector. At the same time, the current situation also provides numerous opportunities for new ideas to help Switzerland going forward.

Where will Switzerland’s competitive advantage lie in future? And what regulatory challenges are around the corner? What needs to be done to maintain the framework conditions necessary for Switzerland’s financial sector to function properly? What role can financial service providers play in helping to shape Switzerland’s future success? Does the financial industry need to re-invent itself?

Thomas Aeschi

Member of the Swiss National Council

Thomas Aeschi is Chairman of the Swiss People’s Party for the municipality of Baar and the canton of Zug respectively. He was elected to the National Council in 2012. From 2004 to 2006, he served in the mergers and acquisitions segment of a major Swiss bank. He has been working as a management consultant since 2008.

Beat Kappeler

Social scientist, journalist, author

Beat Kappeler studied social sciences and was Secretary of the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions from 1977 to 1992. He has been working as a freelance journalist since 1992. Kappeler is one of Switzerland’s most renowned social and economic analysts.

Dieter Wirth

Partner and Head of FS Regulatory, PwC Switzerland

Dieter Wirth is a certified tax adviser and a lawyer. Since 1998, he has worked in various roles for PwC Switzerland. Wirth is a member of the working group for financial market regulation at economiesuisse (Swiss Business Federation), a board member of the Swiss Private Equity & Corporate Finance Association (SECA), and a member of the Private Market working group of the Swiss Funds & Asset Management Association (SFAMA).