Switzerland · Banking · KYC

Swiss bank account for a trust or family foundation

The bank reviews not only the entity or trustee but the complete system of control, benefits, powers, tax recognition and origin of transferred assets.

01KYC
02UBO
03Source of wealth
04Source of funds

01

Who the banking model may fit

For a trust, the bank identifies the trustee, ultimate economic settlor, former settlors on resettlement, beneficiaries or classes, protector and persons able to revoke or replace trustees. For a foundation, it identifies the founder, council/management, guardian, beneficiaries or qualified recipients and persons influencing appointments and distributions.

02

Documents and file architecture

The trust deed or foundation charter/by-laws, registry evidence, powers, account resolutions, control chart, Forms T/S or equivalents, CRS/FATCA certifications, tax memorandum and source-of-wealth/funds evidence must describe the same structure.

03

KYC, UBO and the bank's decision

A family foundation and an investment fund are classified separately. Governing law, tax recognition in founder/settlor and beneficiary countries, sanctions, purpose and projected distributions determine acceptability.

Switzerland · KYC

This material is not an offer of banking or investment services or a guarantee of account opening. Smart Global Capital provides independent legal support and is not a bank, its agent or affiliate unless expressly confirmed in writing. The bank determines the decision, conditions and timing.

04

Profile-specific conditions

A Swiss account does not make a structure tax-neutral or conceal controllers. It should serve a lawful succession, family or investment purpose and be transparent to the bank and tax authorities.

05

Support sequence

We define the banking model, conduct a legal/KYC readiness review, resolve inconsistencies across corporate, tax and banking data, prepare an evidence index and support responses. The bank remains the sole decision-maker.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can a Cook Islands trust apply?

An application may be considered if the bank accepts the profile and receives a complete trust, tax, control and source-of-wealth file; approval cannot be guaranteed.

Can a DIFC, ADGM or RAK ICC foundation apply?

A case-specific application may include the charter, by-laws, council, guardian/beneficiaries, tax analysis and Form S or equivalent.

How do Forms T and S differ?

Form T addresses trusts; Form S addresses foundations and similar arrangements. A bank may use equivalent forms and request more information.

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FINMA · SBA · bank disclosures

Official sources

This material is not an offer of banking or investment services or a guarantee of account opening. Smart Global Capital provides independent legal support and is not a bank, its agent or affiliate unless expressly confirmed in writing. The bank determines the decision, conditions and timing.

01

SBA — CDB 20, Forms S and T

Switzerland · Bank accounts

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02

FINMA — AML duties

Switzerland · Bank accounts

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03

SIF — automatic exchange of information

Switzerland · Bank accounts

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Smart Global Capital

Swiss bank account for a trust or family foundation

We define the banking model, conduct a legal/KYC readiness review, resolve inconsistencies across corporate, tax and banking data, prepare an evidence index and support responses. The bank remains the sole decision-maker.

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