Mandate

The Swiss National Bank conducts the country’s monetary policy as an independent central bank. It is obliged by the Constitution and by statute to act in accordance with the interests of the country as a whole. Its primary goal is to ensure price stability, while taking due account of economic developments. In so doing, it creates an appropriate environment for economic growth.

• National Bank Act

Organisation of the SNB

The National Bank has two head offices one in Berne and one in Zurich, as well as a branch office in Singapore. Moreover, it maintains six representative offices (in Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano, Lucerne and St Gallen). In addition, it has 13 agencies operated by cantonal banks and serving the country’s supply of money.

History

Since the establishment of the Swiss National Bank in 1907, it has had a strong impact on economic policy in Switzerland. Here you will find information that will help you to understand the history of the SNB and its policies.

Construction of the main building in Zurich

Main building in Berne in the twenties

The ‘Chronicle of monetary events’ lists all the most important laws, enactments and decisions in connection with monetary policy since 1848. The ‘Biographical profiles’ contain information on the professional and political careers of all the former and current Presidents of the SNB’s Bank Council and all of the members of its Governing Board, together with a photograph in all cases. The ‘Publications’ section includes the four SNB commemorative publications. Information on the centenary celebrations of the SNB in 2007 may be found under the heading, ‘SNB’s centenary’. ‘Information on the archive’ provides information on the holdings in the archive and the conditions for access.

head offices, representative offices and agencies

Telephone: +41 58 631 00 00
Telefax: +41 58 631 50 00

 

Swiss National Bank

Central bank of Switzerland

The Swiss National Bank is the central bank of Switzerland, responsible for the nation’s monetary policy and the sole issuer of Swiss franc banknotes.

Headquarters Bern and Zurich

Established 16 January 1906 – 20 June 1907

Ownership Mixed ownership. Around 78% owned by Swiss public entities, the rest are publicly traded in SIX.

Chairman Thomas Jordan

Central bank of Switzerland

Currency Swiss franc · CHF (ISO 4217)

Reserves 560 630 million USD

CEO at Swiss National Bank

Shekhar Dahiya

President & Chief Executive Officer

Employees

Viky Adi

Professor

Leyla Beck

Research Assistant

Henri Tannen

Vice President

• The SNB

  The Swiss National Bank conducts the country’s monetary policy.

• Monetary policy

  The Swiss National Bank implements its monetary policy by setting the SNB …

• Investment of assets

  The assets of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) fulfil important monetary policy0

• Financial stability

  The SNB mandate. Under the National Bank Act.

• Payment transactions

  Cashless payment transactions. In accordance with the National Bank

• Banknotes and coins

  Recall of banknotes from eighth series. The Swiss National Bank recalled.

• Statistics

  The Swiss National Bank collects statistical data for the following purposes.