Switzerland’s Federal Council has opened consultations on extending the country’s Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) to cover professionals who advise on the creation and structuring of legal entities, as well as on real estate transactions.
While at first glance this may appear to be a technical update, it marks a significant shift in how wealth management and corporate structuring are governed worldwide. The proposed changes would expand AML obligations beyond banks and fiduciaries to include advisors, consultants, and other professionals who play an upstream role in designing legal and financial structures.
In essence, the Swiss reform signals that advice itself, not just the movement of funds, is now recognized as a point of regulatory importance.
Traditionally, anti-money laundering frameworks have focused on financial intermediaries: those who hold or transfer client assets. The proposed amendments in Switzerland would broaden this focus to encompass professionals who participate indirectly in financial transactions by providing advice or administrative services connected to entity formation, corporate management, or real estate operations.
These professionals will now be required to perform due diligence comparable to that of banks and trust companies: verifying client identities, identifying beneficial owners, documenting transactions, and reporting any suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing. They will also need to affiliate with a self-regulatory organization under the supervision of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
For the global advisory community, the message is clear: regulatory responsibility now extends across the entire value chain of wealth structuring.
Switzerland is not alone. Over the past decade, there has been a systematic tightening of transparency standards across major financial centers.
- The European Union has implemented successive AML directives and beneficial ownership registers.
- The United Kingdom and British Virgin Islands have introduced public or semi-public ownership registers, enhancing oversight of corporate vehicles and trusts.
- The OECD and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) continue to drive global convergence on beneficial ownership disclosure and cross-border cooperation.
This convergence reflects a broader redefinition of what constitutes good governance in the wealth management industry. The goal is no longer merely to prevent illicit activity, but to embed integrity, accountability, and transparency into the very fabric of wealth preservation and succession planning.
For high-net-worth families, private offices, and trustees, the implications are both practical and cultural. Practically, it means that professionals involved in structuring, even at an advisory level, will be subject to enhanced due diligence obligations. More documentation will be required, and the rationale behind each transaction or structure will need to be clearly demonstrable.
Culturally, it reflects an evolution in client expectations. Families are increasingly aware that long-term legacy depends on maintaining structures that are compliant, defensible, and aligned with international norms. A transparent structure today is not simply a regulatory requirement—it is a strategic asset that safeguards reputation and continuity across generations.
The Swiss consultation, alongside similar initiatives in other leading jurisdictions, reinforces an essential truth: in the modern financial landscape, compliance and credibility are inseparable from value creation. The most resilient structures are those designed with both strategic foresight and ethical foundation.
The consultation period in Switzerland runs until January 2026, with the new measures expected to come into effect later that year, coinciding with the country’s next FATF mutual evaluation. For the global advisory community, this will be another step in a long-term transition toward full accountability across all aspects of wealth management.
For clients, it is a timely reminder to review their existing structures, ensure that beneficial ownership information is current, and engage advisors who not only understand regulation but embody its spirit.
As the global environment continues to evolve, responsible governance will define the next generation of wealth management. Firms that combine technical expertise with integrity and foresight will continue to earn the confidence of families, institutions, and regulators alike.
Published 23 October 2025