In June 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) confirmed it will resume granting accreditation to Swiss investment advisers. This move reopens the door for Swiss firms to serve American clients under a formal, recognised framework, ending years of regulatory uncertainty.
For many, this is just another line in the financial news feed. But for financial advisers operating internationally—or even those whose clients hold cross-border interests—it’s a signal of something bigger: global advice is getting a little more connected, and a little more complex.
What happened?
The U.S. and Switzerland have agreed on a new system that allows Swiss investment advisers to register with the SEC while being primarily supervised under Swiss regulatory standards (via FINMA).
This arrangement had existed before, but tensions over oversight standards and compliance disagreements had frozen new registrations. The reopening represents renewed trust between regulators on both sides of the Atlantic.
In practical terms, it means:
- Swiss advisers can once again directly serve U.S.-based clients without needing complex local partnerships or workarounds.
- American investors can access Swiss wealth-management expertise with clearer regulatory protections.
Why does this matter for IFAs everywhere?
You might be thinking, “I’m not in Switzerland. I don’t have U.S. clients. So what?”
Here’s why it’s relevant—no matter where you advise:
Regulators are opening doors for cross-border advice
As client wealth becomes more international—think multi-country residencies, overseas investments, and cross-border inheritance—regulators are under pressure to make supervision work across borders. Moves like this show an appetite for harmonising oversight, not shutting it down.
For IFAs, it’s a reminder: Clients no longer think about their wealth in just one country.
Clients need help navigating complexity
Investors with assets or family in multiple jurisdictions often don’t get the help they need because the process feels too complex. By simplifying cross-border accreditation, regulators are effectively saying that clients need access to qualified advice across borders.
That’s where advisers who can confidently bridge these gaps can stand out.
A Competitive edge for proactive advisers
Even if you have no plans to register abroad, the principle matters. Advisers who understand multiple frameworks can better serve:
- Expats and returning residents
- Internationally mobile professionals
- High-net-worth clients with global family structures
It’s a segment that demands tailored, sophisticated advice—and often rewards it well.
How advisers can respond
You don’t have to set up in Zurich tomorrow. But here are a few smart steps:
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on how major markets handle cross-border supervision. If the U.S. and Switzerland can agree, others may follow.
- Build your network: Even if you don’t directly advise cross-border clients, knowing specialists who do can strengthen your offer.
- Educate clients: Many clients don’t realise the complexity of cross-border investing or inheritance until it’s too late. Raise it early—and be the trusted guide.
The SEC’s move to reopen accreditation isn’t just a technical tweak. It’s a reminder that wealth is increasingly global, and advice needs to keep pace. For IFAs willing to adapt, it’s an opportunity to stand out, build new relationships, and deliver the kind of nuanced guidance that clients truly value.
