SRO Licenses in Switzerland

At Swiss AMF AG (SAMF), we specialise in guiding financial intermediaries, such as payment service providers and VASPs, other fintechs, asset managers, and fiduciary companies through the complete process of obtaining and maintaining a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) license in Switzerland.

An SRO affiliation is a crucial requirement under the Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) for financial intermediaries operating commercially. It allows firms to carry out financial services in compliance with Swiss law, while benefiting from the oversight of a FINMA-recognised SRO.

Our Comprehensive Approach

When we say “soup to nuts,” we mean it. SAMF manages the entire licensing process, ensuring a smooth path from preparation through approval. Our services include:

  • Application preparation and submission: we draft and complete all application materials, liaising directly with the chosen SRO on your behalf.
  • AML Manual: tailored to your business model, sector, and risk profile, aligned with AMLA, FINMA circulars, FATF recommendations, and SRO rules.
  • Risk Control Framework: a robust governance structure that demonstrates your ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, designed to satisfy regulatory and supervisory expectations.
  • Tailored and risk based training programs.
  • VASP Applications: for crypto and virtual asset service providers, we handle the additional requirements specific to blockchain, tokenisation, and exchange businesses.
  • Policies, procedures, and supporting documentation: including KYC and onboarding processes, beneficial ownership verification, source of funds/wealth procedures, escalation and reporting protocols, governance documents, and compliance training materials.
  • FINMA portfolio manager registration for Swiss asset management companies.

We don’t just prepare documents, we integrate your compliance and governance framework so it is regulator-ready, practical, and scalable as your business grows.

End-to-End Delivery

SAMF does more than simply assist. We act as your project lead from start to finish:

  1. Initial assessment and strategy – determining the correct SRO and scope of license for your business.
  2. Drafting and design – preparing every required manual, policy, and supporting document.
  3. Submission and dialogue – filing the application and engaging with the SRO during the review process.
  4. Remediation and follow-up – addressing regulator feedback and ensuring approval is achieved.
  5. Ongoing support – once licensed, we provide training, updates, and compliance monitoring to ensure you remain in good standing.

Why Choose SAMF

  • Expertise: Decades of experience with FINMA, SROs, and AML regulatory frameworks.
  • Efficiency: Streamlined process management reduces approval time and avoids costly delays.
  • Completeness: We deliver every element required for approval—there are no gaps or surprises.
  • Credibility: Documents prepared by SAMF withstand scrutiny from regulators, auditors, and counterparties.

Whether you are a start-up fintech, a VASP, or an established financial intermediary, SAMF delivers a turnkey licensing solution. We take ownership of the process so you can focus on your business.

 

Contact us today to start your journey.