The Swiss Banking System: History, Institutions and Perspectives

The Swiss financial system: whence it came, where/what? it is, and where it heads?
How did the Swiss financial system emerge, what institutions (e.g. intermediaries, marketplaces, regulatory bodies, legal frameworks, monetary architecture) constitute it and what are the relations between them, the real economy and the international financial markets? What role do Swiss banks play in the international allocation of capital and what are the challenges that lie ahead for them? This course attempts to answer these questions from an historical, macroeconomic and managerial perspective, starting from the 18th century to these days. The last part of the course will address contemporary issues such as cost efficiency, digitalization and sustainability.

At the end of the course, students will understand the key factors that are required for successful financial institutions and infrastructures to emerge, what determines the success of a banking hub and how to integrate digitalization and sustainability into the strategies of financial intermediaries to address todays’ industry challenges.

In presence

Through lectures, class discussions, practical cases and students’ presentations.

Case presentations. You are expected to be prepared and actively participate in class discussions.