Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is Switzerland’s independent regulator overseeing banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and forex dealers. Known for its strict licensing standards and robust compliance requirements, FINMA ensures that Swiss-based forex brokers operate transparently, prudently, and in full alignment with international AML and investor protection norms.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is one of the most respected financial regulators globally. Its high standards ensure that FINMA-authorized forex brokers offer secure, transparent, and compliant services to both institutional and retail clients. Always verify a broker’s status before trading.
- No fixed leverage cap, but brokers must apply risk-based limits
- High-leverage products are discouraged for retail clients without proper risk disclosure
- Licensing and monitoring of financial intermediaries, including forex dealers
- Supervising client fund segregation, AML/CFT measures, and risk controls
- Enforcing capital adequacy and conduct-of-business rules
- Issuing warnings against unauthorized or fraudulent foreign brokers
- Visit the FINMA Public Register
- Access the “Authorized Institutions and Individuals” section
- Search for the broker by name or authorization type
- Banking or Securities Dealer License required for most forex operations
- Minimum Capital: CHF 20 million+ for securities dealers; lower for asset managers
- Client Fund Segregation: Required by law
- AML & CFT Obligations: Strong due diligence and reporting rules
- Periodic Audits: Brokers are subject to external and FINMA-led audits
- Suitability & Risk Warnings: Clear disclosures for retail forex clients
Advantages
- High trust globally due to Swiss regulatory integrity
Strong AML enforcement and banking infrastructure
Robust client fund protection and risk-based oversight
Transparent licensing registry and ongoing supervision
Limitations
- High entry barrier (capital, audit, compliance costs) for brokers
Few forex brokers operate from Switzerland due to strict requirements
No investor compensation scheme like FSCS (UK) or ICF (EU)
Country
Switzerland
Established
2009
Contact
+41 31 327 98 88
Complaint bodies
Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) Ombudsman Finanzdienstleister (OFD) – for client disputes with licensed financial firms
Hotline
+41 31 327 98 88
Complaint email
Last updated on: March 28, 2025
High Risk Warning : Please note that foreign exchange and other leveraged trading involves significant risk of loss. It is not suitable for all investors and you should make sure you understand the risks involved, seeking independent advice if necessary.