Holding companies have a different financial profile from normal operating businesses. Instead of generating revenue through daily sales, they may own subsidiaries, receive dividends, manage investments, or provide financing within a corporate group.
Because of this structure, corporate banking for holding companies often requires more detailed explanations about ownership, sources of funds, and expected transactions.
Why Holding Companies Are Different
When reviewing a holding company, a bank needs to understand not only the Swiss entity but also the wider group behind it. This can include parent companies, subsidiaries, shareholders, beneficial owners, and the jurisdictions in which the group operates.
Swiss financial intermediaries must identify their contractual partners and beneficial owners and may need additional clarification where relationships or transactions present increased risks. More information is available through FINMA’s guidance on combating money laundering.
Ownership and Source of Funds
A holding company should be able to clearly demonstrate who ultimately owns or controls it. Banks may request Commercial Register extracts, shareholder information, identification documents, financial statements, and a corporate structure chart.
The source of incoming funds is equally important. These funds may originate from dividends, shareholder contributions, investment proceeds, intra-group loans, or the sale of an asset. Supporting documents should explain significant transactions and their commercial purpose.
Intra-Group Transactions
Payments between related companies are common within holding structures. A holding company might finance a subsidiary, receive dividends, or transfer capital for an acquisition.
Banks may therefore ask for loan agreements, dividend resolutions, investment documentation, or other evidence supporting these transactions. Clear documentation helps demonstrate why funds are moving between different group entities.
Preparing for a Swiss Bank Account
Before submitting an application, it is useful to prepare a clear ownership chart, information about the group's activities, beneficial-owner documentation, and an overview of expected transactions.
RB Swiss Group supports companies with the process of establishing a Swiss corporate bank account and can also assist international entrepreneurs with company formation in Switzerland.
Good preparation is particularly important for holding companies because the bank needs to understand the commercial logic behind the entire structure, rather than only the company opening the account.
Support from RB Swiss Group
A transparent structure, complete documentation, and a clear explanation of expected banking activity can help make the onboarding process more efficient.
Contact RB Swiss Group
RB Swiss Group GmbH
Blegistrasse 7
CH-6340 Baar
Phone: +41 41 410 61 61
Email: info@rbswiss.com
Web: www.rbswiss.com