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Mandate
| Organisation of the SNB
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The Swiss National Bank conducts the country’s monetary policy as an independent central bank. It is obliged by the Constitution and by statute to act in accordance with the interests of the country as a whole. Its primary goal is to ensure price stability, while taking due account of economic developments. In so doing, it creates an appropriate environment for economic growth.
| The SNB has two head offices: one in Berne and one in Zurich. In addition, it maintains a branch with cash distribution services in Geneva and five representative offices (in Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne, Lugano and St Gallen). Furthermore, it has 16 agencies operated by cantonal banks that help to secure the supply of money to the country.
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SNB profits
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The determination and distribution of profits are governed by the National Bank Act (arts. 30 and 31). According to these articles, the SNB shall set up provisions permitting it to maintain currency reserves at the level which is necessary for monetary policy. In so doing, it shall take into account the development of the Swiss economy. A dividend not exceeding six percent of the share capital shall be paid from the net profit. One-third of any net profit remaining after the distribution shall accrue to the Confederation and two-thirds to the cantons.
At present, the annual sum being paid out to the Confederation and the cantons amounts to CHF 2.5 billion.
More details may be found under profit and distribution of profitprofit and distribution of profit.
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Publications, information
| Service centre
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A whole range of SNB publications are accessible under PublicationsPublications. They include
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