OTC derivatives markets were an increasing source of vulnerability heading into the crisis. OTC derivatives markets contributed to the financial crisis. Credit derivatives facilitated the development and growth of the structured securities markets; and the purchasing, packaging, and distribution...

This paper examines the types of market-related hedging instruments that could potentially be useful to indebted developing countries as they seek to manage the financial risks created by variability of the prices of external assets and commodities. The paper reviews the variability in interest...

This technical note presents an update to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) on Switzerland. It reveals that current domestic macroeconomic and financial sector conditions are favorable, and the main downside risks to the financial sector are external. Stress tests confirm the...

For the past quarter century, Switzerland’s real per capita growth rate has been substantially slower than in most other industrial countries. Unemployment has declined rapidly to 2.4 percent of the labor force in November 1999 from its 1997 peak of more than 5 percent. Inflation has edged up...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Switzerland’s economy is performing well. The expansion moved into its fourth year with above average growth and employment, and few signs of inflation. This favorable outcome can be traced to a vibrant external environment, including in global...

This technical note discusses the banking system structure, performance, and medium-term challenges for Switzerland. The note discusses that the Swiss banking sector has been undergoing a substantial consolidation over the last 10 years, but retains a rich collection of institutional types...

This paper reviews Observance of Standards and Codes on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) for Switzerland. The paper discusses that The Federal Banking Commission (CFB) is the oversight body for...

This paper presents a factual update of the Insurance Core Principles including insurance sector market and regulatory developments for Switzerland. Regulatory reforms since 2003 have updated Switzerland’s regulatory and supervisory regime for the insurance industry to bring it in line with...

This paper presents a factual update of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation for Switzerland. Overall, there has been substantial progress in implementing Financial Sector Assessment Program recommendations in various...