A holding company typically uses its bank account differently from a conventional operating business. Its activities may focus on owning subsidiaries, receiving dividends, managing investments, or financing other companies within the group.
As a result, banking for Swiss holding companies often involves greater attention to the corporate structure and the purpose behind incoming and outgoing funds.
Understanding the Corporate Group
During onboarding, the bank will usually want to understand the complete structure surrounding the holding company. This can include shareholders, beneficial owners, parent entities, subsidiaries, and the countries in which related companies operate.
A clear organisational chart can make complex structures easier to explain. Swiss financial intermediaries are also subject to requirements concerning customer identification and beneficial ownership. Further information is available from FINMA on combating money laundering.
Documenting Capital and Investments
Banks may ask how the holding company was funded and where future funds are expected to originate.
Depending on the structure, supporting documents could include financial statements, shareholder information, dividend resolutions, investment agreements, loan contracts, or documentation relating to acquisitions and disposals.
The key is to ensure that the company's documents and expected banking activity tell a consistent story.
Payments Between Group Companies
Holding companies frequently transfer money between related entities. For example, the Swiss holding company may provide financing to a subsidiary, receive dividend distributions, or contribute capital to a new investment.
These transactions should have a clear commercial purpose and appropriate supporting documentation. Larger or international transfers may lead to additional questions from the bank, particularly when several jurisdictions are involved.
Getting the Banking Structure Ready
Before approaching a bank, companies should prepare their ownership information, beneficial-owner documentation, group structure, expected transaction volumes, and details of the countries from which payments will be sent or received.
SwissFirm assists entrepreneurs and corporate groups with establishing a Swiss corporate bank account. Businesses creating a new holding structure can also explore online company formation in Switzerland.
Preparing this information early can make it easier for the bank to understand the purpose and financial activity of the holding company.
Establish Your Swiss Holding Structure
Clear ownership, transparent funding sources, and well-documented group transactions are particularly important when establishing a banking relationship for a holding company. SwissFirm can support businesses with the corporate setup and banking process in Switzerland.
Contact SwissFirm
RB Swiss Group GmbH
Blegistrasse 7
CH-6340 Baar
Phone: +41 41 410 61 61
Email: info@swissfirm.ch
Web: www.swissfirm.ch