St. Gallen hosts Swiss financial centre showcase
The theme of this year’s Bankers Day on 17 September 2026 was “Competitiveness – focus on Switzerland as a financial centre”. Some 400 members and guests met at the Tonhalle St. Gallen for the Swiss Bankers Association’s Annual General Meeting, which was following by keynote speeches and a panel discussion.
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Amid the gathering of decision-makers from Switzerland and abroad, the high-calibre speakers and the historic setting of the Tonhalle, it was clear that the Swiss financial centre is about to experience momentous events that will shape its future. With this in mind, discussions centred on Switzerland’s appeal as a business location and its international competitiveness.
Looking ahead with an open mind
The Annual General Meeting also marked a change at the top of the Association: after five years as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Marcel Rohner handed the baton to Giorgio Pradelli, CEO of EFG International. Rohner cast a look back at his time in office, which saw sweeping changes in the financial sector, regulatory challenges and systematic progress for the Association.
Pradelli, for his part, emphasised that he intends to ensure continuity, but always with a focus on what lies ahead. He stressed that Switzerland can profit from its reputation as a stable and attractive financial centre in times of geopolitical turmoil and highlighted the industry’s diversity: powerful international institutions, he said, complement banks with strong national and regional roots, and all play their part in Switzerland’s success.
International view of Switzerland’s financial centre
The interview with Colm Kelleher, Chairman of UBS’s Board of Directors, was eagerly anticipated. Drawing on his many years of international experience, he spoke about Switzerland’s role in the global financial system and the ranking of top international financial centres. He noted that, while Hong Kong is slightly ahead at present, Switzerland has what it needs to retake the lead. As well as highlighting Switzerland’s strengths, however, he also pointed out the challenges banks face as they seek to balance regulatory requirements with economic growth.
An influential figure in the European banking landscape then took centre stage: Bettina Orlopp, CEO of Commerzbank. Her keynote speech focused on the Swiss financial centre’s strengths, namely stability, trust and dependability. She also explained how artificial intelligence and the digital transformation, together with a pronounced saving and investment culture, are guiding the banking sector’s evolution. She thus bridged the gap between Switzerland’s proven qualities and the central questions confronting banks and capital markets going forward.
Sandra Navidi, founder and CEO of the New York-based consulting firm BeyondGlobal, also offered a razor-sharp outsider’s perspective on the Swiss financial centre. She began by drawing a stark contrast between her chosen home in the US and Switzerland. Aided by her experience at the interface between financial markets and the legal system, she explained how the Swiss financial centre is viewed around the world, reiterating the qualities Bettina Orlopp had already mentioned. She consciously offered a standpoint from beyond the national debate and showed why Switzerland’s advantages will continue to be decisive as it competes with the world’s other established financial centres.
Panel discussion: between innovation, growth and regulation
Marc Bürki, CEO and co-founder of Swissquote, took part in the panel discussion that followed along with Bettina Orlopp and Sandra Navidi. He began with an account of Swissquote’s success story, explaining how a technological pioneer spirit gave rise to what is now an established player in the Swiss financial centre.
Turning to the topic of artificial intelligence, Bürki drew parallels with the early days of the internet. That was also a time of new possibilities, which came with both opportunities and uncertainties. The main difference today, he noted, lies in questions of ownership and control. While the internet has evolved through open standards and a broad infrastructure, today’s AI infrastructures and models are the property of a small number of large private companies.
The discussion also touched on the question of how to strike a healthy balance between regulation and deregulation to create frameworks that enable innovation while also ensuring stability and trust.
It was made clear that the financial sector’s future success hinges on its ability to adapt to technological developments and tap into new growth areas while preserving the very qualities that set it apart.
Bankers Day 2026 left those attending with a sense of new beginnings and confidence. Besides the factual discussions, meeting people from the industry in person and talking face to face made for a very special day.
