Head of International Corporate Law and Fintech Practice
Expert in fintech, crypto, and international corporate law with over 20 years of experience. Specializes in crypto licensing (VASP/CASP), iGaming business support, and international structuring, asset protection, and OSINT analytics for risk assessment and due diligence.
Confirmation of the origin of funds in Switzerland
Switzerland has long been known for its reliability and stability in the world of finance. The country’s banking system is one of the safest and most confidential in the world.
However, due to increasing international requirements for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and tax evasion, Switzerland has introduced strict rules for confirming the origin of funds.
This applies to both residents and non-residents who open accounts or carry out large financial transactions.
In this article, we will consider the main aspects of confirming the origin of funds in Switzerland and how the law firm “Prikhodko & Partners” can help you in this process.

Why is proof of the origin of funds important?
Proof of Source of Funds (POSF) is a process that requires a client to provide documentation that proves the legitimacy of the funds received.
This may include tax returns, purchase and sale agreements, inheritance documents, investment income, etc. The purpose of this process is to prevent the use of the financial system for illegal purposes.
Swiss banks, like other financial institutions around the world, are required to adhere to international standards, including those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
This means that banks have the right to request detailed information from customers about the sources of their funds. If a customer cannot provide sufficient evidence, the bank may refuse to open an account or block an existing one.
Basic requirements for confirming the origin of funds
- Documentary confirmation
The client must provide documents that clearly demonstrate where the funds came from. For example, if it is business income, financial statements and tax returns are required. If it is an inheritance, official inheritance documents are required.
- Clear path of operations
Banks often require that a customer be able to demonstrate how funds have moved between accounts or institutions. This helps to avoid suspicions of money laundering.
- Business transparency
If the funds are related to a business, the bank may request information about the company’s structure, its operations, and financial history.
- Tax documents
Providing tax returns or other documents confirming the payment of taxes is mandatory to confirm the legality of the funds.
How can “Prikhodko and Partners” help?
The law firm “Prikhodko & Partners” has significant experience in working with international financial issues, including confirming the origin of funds in Switzerland.
Our experts will help you:
- Prepare the necessary documents for the bank.
- Provide advice on the requirements of a specific bank or jurisdiction.
- Provide legal support in case of questions or inspections by financial institutions.
- Minimize the risks of refusal to open an account or blocking funds.
Key challenges for customers
One of the main challenges for clients is the complexity of collecting documentation, especially if the funds were received many years ago or involve complex business transactions. In addition, different banks may have different documentation requirements, which complicates the process.
Another challenge is the language barrier. Many documents required by Swiss banks must be translated into the official languages of Switzerland (German, French or Italian).
Our lawyers will help you with the translation and notarization of documents.
Additional aspects to consider
- Time component
The process of verifying the origin of funds can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the situation, so it is important to start preparing your documents as soon as possible.
- Privacy
Swiss banks adhere to strict confidentiality rules, but they are also required to cooperate with international authorities in cases of suspected illegal activity. Therefore, all documents must be accurate and truthful.
- Diversity of sources of funds
If the funds came from different sources (e.g., from the sale of real estate, investments, inheritance), each source must be separately confirmed.
- Legal support
In case of disputes or requests from the bank, it is important to have professional legal support. Our team will provide you with full support, including representation of interests in the bank.
Examples of situations where proof of origin of funds is required
- Opening a bank account. Any new financial transaction, especially for non-residents, requires confirmation of the source of funds.
- Large transfers. Transfers of large amounts, especially between countries, can arouse suspicion among banking institutions.
- Investments. If you plan to invest funds in Swiss assets, the bank may require evidence of the legitimacy of these funds.
- Inheritance or gifts. Funds received as inheritances or gifts must also be documented.
How to avoid problems with funds verification?
- Keep all documents
Even if you don’t plan to open an account in Switzerland, keeping financial documents is important for future transactions.
- Consult with lawyers
Professional assistance helps avoid mistakes and ensure quick completion of procedures.
- Be prepared for additional requests
Sometimes banks may request additional documents or explanations. It is important to respond promptly.
- Plan ahead
If you are planning large financial transactions, start preparing documents in advance.
Confirmation of the origin of funds in Switzerland is an important step for anyone seeking to open an account or carry out large financial transactions in this country.
The law firm “Prikhodko & Partners” is ready to provide you with professional support at every stage of this process. Contact us to avoid mistakes and ensure the successful fulfillment of all requirements.
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