Most believe that banking in Switzerland is something only for the rich and famous, the truth is Swiss Banks have clients from foreign residents all over the world- especially the west. It's surprising a vast number of Americans have accounts in Switzerland, professional business persons, athletes, movies stars, musicians, computer engineers, civil servants, small business owners and retirees. The main reason is privacy. The Swiss have some of the strictest regulations when it comes to privacy. If you're looking for a place to protect your durable wealth, Switzerland is for you.

The main reason for Swiss Banking is to keep one's financial status private, protecting personal assets along with receiving a higher return. American law agencies, judicial system and private citizens can gain access to most types of financial information. Under Swiss law, neither the officers nor the employees of financial institutes are allowed to reveal any information regarding individuals to anyone, including the Swiss government. The exception is upon proven criminal activity. Banking confidentiality is the banker's professional obligation to keep details of all financial affairs private. Confidentiality is a matter of both contractual agreement and public duty. Under Swiss law, violating this professional obligation is subject to criminal prosecution. Article 47 of the Swiss Banking Act, provides criminal sanctions against anyone who divulges confidential information entrusted to them, or of which they have become aware in their capacity as an officer or employee of a financial institution, and against anyone who tries to induce others to violate professional confidentiality Swiss Banks have earned and are recognized as providing sophisticated and discreet financial services. Switzerland has a wide range of financial institutions to serve all clients needs from large banks to small financial institutions. Some institutions specialize in a few services for a few special clients to providing a wide range of products serving a vast number of clients. The term "private banking" is used to encompass all the services provided to a client many which are "high net-worth individuals", although some institutes will refuse any account of less than $1million other, are willing to except lower account balances.