Auditing of banks and securities traders (as an auditing firm recognised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA)

Banks and securities traders are subject to the supervision of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)  , which delegates certain supervisory tasks to recognised auditing firms. BDO Ltd is authorised to act as an auditor for banks and securities traders.

Internal auditing of banks and securities traders

The organisation of the activities of banks and securities traders requires internal auditing. In certain circumstances, it may be more appropriate to outsource this function to an external audit-ing firm rather than to develop the necessary competencies within the company. As an auditor recognised by the FINMA, BDO Ltd offers extensive knowledge of the financial system. We are thus able to offer services tailored to meet the individual requirements of our clients.

Auditing of collective investment instruments (investment funds, etc.)

In principle, all collective investment instruments are subject to the supervision of the FINMA. These primarily include:

• Investment funds
• Fund managers
• Investment companies with variable capital or open-ended investment companies
• Limited partnerships for collective investments

BDO Ltd is qualified to act as an auditor for products that are subject to the supervision of the FINMA.

Auditing of casinos

In order to carry out their activities, casinos require a licence from the Swiss Federal Casino Commission (SFCC). As part of the supervisory system, the SFCC delegates the financial monitoring of casinos to auditing companies. BDO Ltd is authorised to act as an auditor for casinos.

Auditing of asset managers/financial intermediaries

Financial intermediaries are subject to the supervision of the Swiss Money Laundering Control Authority, which delegates some of its supervisory activities to auditing firms. BDO Ltd is authorised to act as an auditor for financial intermediaries.

Auditing of insurance companies

Private insurance companies are subject to the supervision of the Federal Office for Private Insurance (FOPI). Monitoring activities are delegated to auditing companies. BDO Ltd is authorised to act as an auditor for insurance companies.

Verification of precautions against money laundering (member of self-regulatory organization)

Financial intermediaries that are subject to the Swiss Money Laundering Law generally belong to a self-regulatory organisation, which verifies whether its affiliated companies are in compliance with the relevant precautions against money laundering. BDO Ltd is authorised to act as an auditor for financial intermediaries.

Audits requested by the Swiss Takeover Board (fairness opinions and auditing of takeover offers)

Corporate spin-offs and mergers require the preparation of special evaluation reports to enable a comprehensive assessment of the company, particular business units or specific items in the annual accounts. BDO Ltd possesses the necessary know-how to offer our clients services in this area.

Investigation and liquidation mandates

In certain circumstances, the SFBC can appoint investigation officers for specific tasks. BDO Ltd is authorized to act as an investigation officer.

Consulting, the implementation of special tasks, as well as training courses for banks, trading companies and service providers

BDO Ltd offers specialised services in a number of areas, notably:

• Support services for licence applications to the SFBC
• Due diligence / evaluation of banks and trading companies
• Evaluation of internal controlling systems
• Development of internal guidelines
• Legal and extralegal expertise in the finance area
• Compliance reviews, etc.