Swiss market News

Swiss Market Regulator FINMA Restructures; Head of Insurance Division to Step Down

Swiss financial market watchdog FINMA has revamped its organizational structure with immediate effect, the regulator said on Tuesday, as it gears up for future challenges including supervision of the enlarged UBS. Switzerland has pledged to step up regulation of the …

Swiss Insurer Baloise Eyes Changes in Board of Directors, Chairman Says

Swiss insurer Baloise is considering changes in its board of directors, Chairman Thomas von Planta said on Thursday after the company revealed plans to boost returns to shareholders. “We want to strengthen the insurance expertise on the board,” von Planta …

Swiss Insurer Baloise Targets Higher Returns for Shareholders After Cevian Move

Swiss insurer Baloise said on Thursday it plans to boost return on equity and will consider share buybacks after activist-investor Cevian Capital this week revealed it held more than 9% of the company’s stock, becoming its top stakeholder. Baloise said …

Switzerland, EU Restart Financial Market Talks After Long Hiatus

Switzerland and the European Union resumed talks on financial market regulation on Thursday after dialog was suspended in 2017, the Swiss government said. Issues relating to financial market stability, cross-border activities, capital markets, digital finance, cybersecurity, sustainable finance and insurance …

MGA Alta Signa Launches in Switzerland

Alta Signa Europe B.V., the European boutique managing general agent (MGA) and Lloyd’s coverholder, announced the opening of an office in Switzerland, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy in the Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH) region. Based …

UK Signs Swiss Financial Services Deal, Easing Post-Brexit Access for Insurers, Brokers

The UK and Switzerland signed an agreement to recognize each other’s laws and regulations in financial services, easing post-Brexit market access for firms including banks, insurers and asset managers. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt and his Swiss counterpart Karin …

UK to Sign Deal Boosting City of London’s Post-Brexit Ties to Switzerland

The UK and Switzerland will sign an agreement around financial services on Thursday, a post-Brexit accord to deepen ties between their respective financial centers. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt will visit Bern to sign it, according to people familiar …

Howden Acquires Swiss Reinsurance Broker Haakon AG

Howden, the London-based global insurance group, announced the acquisition of Haakon AG, the specialist reinsurance broker, headquartered in Switzerland. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Haakon, formerly part of the Baloise Group, has offices in Basel and Kuala …

New Swiss Capital Rules Set to Spur $20 Billion Bond Overhaul for Re/Insurers

Insurance companies in Switzerland are set to repay billions in mostly discounted old-style bonds over the next decade as changes to the country’s capital rules take effect next year. There are nearly $20 billion of subordinated notes that Swiss insurers …

Swiss Tunnel to Partially Reopen for Freight Transport as Supply Chain Backs Up

Switzerland’s Gotthard tunnel will partially reopen for freight transport next week after a derailed train blocked one of its two tubes, though the critical route won’t return to full operability for several months. Passenger trains will continue to be diverted …