Malta has developed into an international banking centre, and accounts for a significant share of global banking activity with more than 25 credit institutions having a presence on the island. With some of the safest and most liquid banks in the Eurozone, Malta is establishing itself as an international banking centre and hub for finance in the Mediterranean region. Rapidly growing and dynamic, Malta-based banks currently hold over €30 billion in deposits. International and regional players have established operations in the country, offering a full set of banking services. Banking institutions in Malta are regulated by the Banking Act, which is founded on European Union legislation and is compliant with the Basel Core Principles. The non-bank financial institutions are regulated by the Financial Institutions Act. Rated repeatedly as the 10th soundest banking system in the world by the World Economic Forum’s Competitiveness Index, Malta’s banking sector is thriving. The sector’s continued robustness is based on conservative investment policies and a stable deposit base. The island’s constantly expanding international finance sector offers plenty of growth opportunities. Signature Private Office will advise you in choosing the right bank or financial services provider in Malta that will fulfil your needs and enable you to transact business effectively and efficiently.

The buoyant banking sector of Cyprus has seen a surge of activity and has gone from strength to strength, attracting new investment, developed its capital strength and invested in corporate governance. The current transformation, resilience and increased stability have produced a more agile and future-proof banking sector. Strong economic growth of almost 4% and continuous credit rating upgrades have boosted market and investor confidence. All core banks in Cyprus have passed successive and rigorous European Central Bank (ECB) stress tests. Total deposits in Cypriot banks reached €48 billion in March 2019, according to Central Bank of Cyprus. The Central Bank of Cyprus, which follows the Basel Committee and European Union banking regulation directives, is the supervising authority in Cyprus. Cyprus’ banking and financial services sector legislation is in line with international best practices and is fully compliant with EU, OECD, FATF, FSF and MONEYVAL standards. Cyprus’ banking sector is comprised of domestic banks which focus on traditional deposits and lending services to households, businesses and SME’s, and international banks that were attracted to the island for its fiscal regime and who mainly carry out international banking business and limited interaction with the domestic economy. There are some 30 financial institutions of foreign origin in Cyprus. Signature Private Office will advise you in choosing the right bank in Cyprus that will fulfil your needs and enable you to transact business effectively and efficiently.

The financial sector, and particularly the banking sector, is one of the key elements of the Swiss economy. Swiss banks represent the last word in efficiency and discretion. The financial sector contributes around 10% to gross value added. As at 2019, there were 248 banks with 2,615 branches and 7,187 ATMs in Switzerland. In addition, banks in Switzerland have some 223 branches abroad. Banks contribute to Switzerland’s international top competitiveness rank by catalysing economic development. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, more commonly known as FINMA, regulates banks in Switzerland. The sector is very diverse with banks differing in size, business model, ownership structure and regional orientation. They include 4 major banks, 24 cantonal banks, 43 stock exchange banks, one Raiffeisenbank and 60 regional and savings banks. The rest is split between private banks, foreign controlled banks, and foreign branches in Switzerland, among others. Almost half of the CHF 6,943 billion (€6,161 billion) assets currently managed by Swiss banks originated abroad. This is equivalent to approximately 27% market share in global cross-border private wealth management business, making Switzerland the global leader in the field. The aggregate balance sheet of all the banks in Switzerland amounts to CHF 3,225 billion in 2018 (€2,861 billion). Banks in Switzerland have introduced strict regulations to guard against money laundering and to ensure compliance and co-operation with international pressures. The Swiss banks are very cautious in dealing with new clients. They prefer new clients to be introduced by people they already know and trust. Signature Private Office has fostered strong relationships with international banks and financial institutions. We are in the favourable position to introduce you to leading banks in Switzerland. Depending on your requirements, we will advise you in choosing the right bank in Switzerland that will fulfil your needs and enable you to transact business efficiently.