Is Swissquote regulated by the FINMA?

What the FINMA licence means

Based on our licence database, Swissquote holds a licence from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), the financial regulator for Switzerland. We classify the FINMA as tier 1 — top-tier regulation. Strict capital, client-money and conduct rules with active enforcement; usually leverage caps and often compensation schemes.

For Swissquote clients whose account is held by its FINMA-regulated entity, the key protections are: compensation — esisuisse deposit protection up to CHF 100,000 (bank-licensed brokers); retail leverage — Set by the bank; typically up to 100:1 for retail; negative balance protection — not a regulatory requirement (may be offered contractually); client money — Forex brokers must hold a full Swiss banking licence. Disputes can be taken to Swiss Banking Ombudsman.

Swissquote is also matched to licences from FCA, MAS, SFC, CSSF, DFSA and MFSA. Note that clients outside Switzerland may be onboarded to a weaker entity (CSSF, DFSA or MFSA) instead.

Protection at a glance

Regulator tier

Tier 1 — Top-tier regulation

Compensation scheme

esisuisse deposit protection up to CHF 100,000 (bank-licensed brokers)

Retail leverage

Set by the bank; typically up to 100:1 for retail

Negative balance protection

Not a regulatory requirement

Client money

Forex brokers must hold a full Swiss banking licence

Complaints

Swiss Banking Ombudsman

How to verify this licence

1. Open Swissquote's client agreement or website footer and note the exact company name and FINMA licence number.
2. Search that name or number on the official FINMA register. Check the status is current, not cancelled or suspended.
3. Confirm the website domain you're using (swissquote.com) is the one listed on the register — clone firms copy genuine licence numbers.
4. Search the FINMA warnings page and IOSCO I-SCAN for the brand name.

Swissquote's other licences