how much money is in swiss banks

A question that has intrigued many for centuries!

Estimating the exact amount of money held in Swiss banks is difficult, as the Swiss banking system is known for its secrecy and confidentiality. However, I can provide some context and statistics that might give you an idea of the scope.

Total assets under management

According to the Swiss National Bank (SNB), the total assets under management in Swiss banks were approximately CHF 7.3 trillion (around $8.1 trillion USD) at the end of 2020. This includes:

1. Domestic assets: CHF 2.4 trillion (around $2.7 trillion USD)
2. Foreign assets: CHF 4.9 trillion (around $5.4 trillion USD)

Breakdown by type of assets

Here’s a rough breakdown of the types of assets held in Swiss banks:

1. Deposits: CHF 1.3 trillion (around $1.5 trillion USD) – this includes savings accounts, current accounts, and time deposits.
2. Investment funds: CHF 1.2 trillion (around $1.3 trillion USD) – this includes mutual funds, hedge funds, and other investment vehicles.
3. Securities: CHF 1.1 trillion (around $1.2 trillion USD) – this includes stocks, bonds, and other securities.
4. Other assets: CHF 3.7 trillion (around $4.1 trillion USD) – this includes loans, derivatives, and other financial instruments.

Who owns the assets?

While we can’t know the exact ownership structure, it’s estimated that:

1. Private individuals: around 40% of the assets are held by private individuals, including high-net-worth individuals and wealthy families.
2. Institutional investors: around 30% of the assets are held by institutional investors, such as pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds.
3. Companies: around 20% of the assets are held by companies, including multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises.
4. Other: around 10% of the assets are held by other entities, such as governments, central banks, and non-profit organizations.

The "black money" myth

It’s worth noting that the notion of Swiss banks being filled with "black money" or illicit funds is a common myth. While it’s true that some individuals and organizations have used Swiss banks to hide assets or launder money, the vast majority of assets held in Swiss banks are legitimate and compliant with international tax and regulatory standards.

In recent years, Switzerland has strengthened its anti-money laundering laws and implemented various measures to prevent tax evasion and other financial crimes.

In conclusion, while we can’t provide an exact figure, it’s estimated that Swiss banks hold around $8.1 trillion in assets, with a significant portion of those assets belonging to private individuals, institutional investors, and companies.