As a leading financial center Switzerland is committed to maximizing new investors' opportunities for success. Swiss banks are among the most successful worldwide and offer corporate and private clients world-class services. For more information visit Swiss Banking Association or
Swiss Private Banking Association.

Investors and lenders benefit from the stable Swiss currency, low inflation rate and low interest rates.

SWX, the Swiss Stock Exchange, is among the world's top ten securities exchanges in terms of market size and trading liquidity. It is number one worldwide in terms of stock market capitalization as a percentage of GDP. IPO's in Switzerland, while reflecting European standards, are more attractive than elsewhere because listing costs are well below average. in contrast to NASDAQ, where some 5500 companies vie for investor favor, much less effort is required by firms to successfully establish themselves among investors in the Swiss financial marketplace.

A small but vibrant private equity industry has developed over the past 25 years. For more information, visit Swiss Private Equity and Corporate Finance Association.

To support the integrity of its financial services industry and protect it from illegal activities, Switzerland's comprehensive banking legislation includes one of the world's strictest money-laundry regulations. For more information on banking regulation visit Swiss Federal Banking Commission.