Representation of interests

As the industry association, the SAAM lobbies on behalf of its members in politics. It ensures that a political and legal environment is created, which benefits the successful economic development of the independent asset management sector in Switzerland.

The goals of the interest representation are...

• ... consolidation of the reputation and standing of independent asset managers in Swiss and international financial markets;
• ... the preservation of open markets. The Swiss financial market is extensively open for foreign participants. However, numerous hindrances exist to market access for Swiss asset managers in European and international businesss.
• ... the improved regulation of the independent Swiss asset management sector. The supervision should be effective and effective combat infractions. The activities of the asset manager may not thereby be excessively burdened with administrative tasks.
• ... the prevention of an inordinate burdening of the Swiss independent asset managers and their customers with taxes and dues.
• ... to make an active contribution to the strengthening of the financial centre Switzerland in international competition among locations.

Lobbying structure

The SAAM represents the interests of its member by working in close cooperation with partner associations. The mission is to create an optimal economic environment for Swiss business. Thus SAAM is a member of: 

• economiesuisse
• Schweizerischer Gewerbeverband (SGV)
• Schweizerischer Verband der Freien Berufe (SVFB)

The SAAM is also in direct contact with those in charge within the government and administration and maintains a continuous dialogue with members of parliament and with representatives of commercial associations.

To provide stimulus, the SAAM composes position statements and consultations to legislative projects or to existing legislation. Members' concerns are thereby constructively represented in public discourse.

Current topics and projects

EU market entry limitations
The independent Swiss asset managers should be recognized as a regulated professional group outside Switzerland and be freed from the prevailing market entry barriers. The SAAM is striving for a simplification of EU market entry on behalf of the Swiss independent asset managers.

Financial market supervision

The revision of the financial market supervision law and the forming of the Anti-Money Laundering Control Authority (FINMA) are in the forefront in 2007. The SAAM is actively engaged in ascertaining that the concerns of small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) in the asset management sector are sufficiently considered. The needs and requirements of SMBs should be directly applied on the strategic level through representation in the Board of Directors of the Anti-Money Laundering Control Authority.

Financial Centre Switzerland

The SAAM maintains good contacts to the main participants in the financial centre Switzerland as well as to the most important representatives in politics and business. The common goal is to contribute to the strengthening of the financial centre Switzerland.

International financial market regulation

The combating of money laundering and the financing of terrorism is primarily coordinated on the international level today. Important regulations are developed in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF - GAFI). The SAAM supports the Swiss authorities in the active representation of the interests of the Swiss market participants.

Promotion of the independent asset management model
The SAAM undertakes information tasks to publicize the importance of the independent asset management sector as a pillar of the financial centre Switzerland. It is available as a point of contact and expertise for authorities, the media, investors and other interested parties.

The independent asset management models less known on the international level than is private banking. Therefore, the SAAM is committed to participation in activities organized by the Swiss authorities to promote the nation in selected foreign locations.

Taxes and dues

The intensive international competition among financial centers compels us to actively observe and to exert our focused influence. The SAAM carefully monitors events and is supports its members with information and consultation.