Access to foreign financial markets is a key factor in the Swiss financial sector’s success. Following the financial crisis, the parameters for cross-border financial services were tightened worldwide and new international standards were introduced. Protectionist tendencies are increasingly restricting access to foreign markets for Swiss banks, as well as hindering their business activities. As the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) noted in its annual report, an adverse impact on Swiss competitiveness and value creation cannot be ruled out if it is not possible to preserve market access.

What will happen if there is no recognition of equivalence on the part of the EU? Is this an opportunity or does it herald the demise of Switzerland’s financial sector? What international standards must Switzerland implement in order to press for comprehensive market access? What are the Swiss financial sector’s interna­tional growth markets (assuming that market access and the corresponding regulatory provisions are in place)? Can Switzerland’s financial institutions benefit from any global developments?