FINMA Guidance 02/2026 on Managing Digital Fraud Risks for Banks
Summary
FINMA published Guidance 02/2026 addressing digital fraud risks following a survey of 19 Swiss banks. The guidance identifies gaps in operational risk management and anti-money laundering controls related to digital banking fraud, which has increased since 2022. Banks and persons under Article 1b of Switzerland's Banking Act are expected to implement appropriate risk management frameworks covering client onboarding, account security, and fraud proceeds laundering.
What changed
FINMA issued Guidance 02/2026 based on a 2025 survey of 19 Swiss banks across supervisory categories. The guidance addresses digital fraud risks affecting banks through two channels: client victimization and misuse of bank accounts for laundering fraud proceeds. Key requirements include establishing appropriate risk management frameworks that cover all business activities, with specific focus on online client relationship establishment and unauthorized account access prevention.
Swiss banks and entities under Article 1b of the Banking Act must implement robust fraud protection systems aligned with regulatory requirements for new digital technologies. The guidance emphasizes operational risk management and anti-money laundering controls as priority areas requiring immediate attention. Banks should review existing frameworks against FINMA expectations and update policies to address identified gaps in digital fraud prevention.
What to do next
- Establish a risk management framework for digital fraud identification and control
- Review operational risk management procedures for digital banking services
- Strengthen anti-money laundering controls to address fraud proceeds laundering
Archived snapshot
Apr 9, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
News
09 April 2026 Press release 2026
FINMA publishes guidance on managing digital fraud risks
A survey of banks conducted by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA shows that there is a need for action in addressing digital fraud risks, particularly in the areas of operational risk management and preventing money laundering. FINMA published its findings today in a new guidance. In recent years – particularly during the COVID crisis – digital banking services have grown significantly. Since 2022, FINMA has noted a rise in digital fraud cases, primarily at banks. Digital fraud affects banks in two ways: On the one hand, bank clients fall victim to digital fraud. On the other hand, bank accounts are also misused to launder the proceeds of fraud.
Results of FINMA’s survey confirm the need for action
In order to get to the bottom of these fraud cases, FINMA conducted a survey at the end of 2025 among 19 banks in various supervisory categories regarding their approach to digital fraud risks. It has summarised the findings of this survey in the new guidance. They highlight the need for action, particularly in the areas of operational risk management and preventing money laundering.
Appropriate risk management for digital fraud prevention
FINMA’s guidance makes it clear how important it is for banks and persons under Article 1 b of the Banking Act to establish an appropriate risk management framework in order to identify, limit and control digital fraud risks. This risk management framework should cover all business activities and be organised in such a way that all significant risks can be identified, assessed, managed and monitored. These include, in particular, the risk of digital fraud when establishing client relationships online and when unauthorised access is gained to accounts.
Through this new guidance, FINMA aims to raise awareness among banks and persons under Article 1 b of the Banking Act regarding digital fraud risks, and help them to effectively implement regulatory requirements and establish a robust system of protection against fraud when using new digital technologies.
Contact
Serkan Isik, Spokesperson
Phone +41 (0)31 327 95 59
serkan.isik@finma.ch
Press release FINMA publishes guidance on managing digital fraud risks
Updated: 09.04.2026 Size: 0.11 MB
- Language(s):
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Add to personal download list FINMA Guidance 02/2026 Digital fraud risks for banks and persons under Article 1b of the Banking Act
Updated: 09.04.2026 Size: 0.28 MB
- Language(s):
- DE
- FR
- EN
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