Insights
What Startups Need to Know About Switzerland's Anti-Money Laundering Act
The Anti-Money Laundering Act affects not only traditional financial institutions but also startups as soon as they accept or manage money belonging to others or process payments on behalf of third parties. Depending on the specific business model, different regulatory requirements arise. It is therefore advisable to check at an early stage whether the Anti-Money Laundering Act applies.
What Are the Risks of Buying a Shell Company?
The purchase of an inactive company or shell company supposedly saves on the time and cost associated with setting up a company. However, as with any company acquisition, the purchase of an inactive company also harbors risks.
Liability Risks in the Start-up Phase
Contracts for a company in formation are often signed before the company is officially incorporated. If there are delays in the process or the company is not incorporated at all, the persons acting on behalf of the company can become personally liable if they are not properly protected.
Legal Advice for Startups: What Matters When Incorporating a Company
Establishing a company requires legal planning in order to minimize risks and avoid conflicts. In addition to choosing the right legal form and drawing up a shareholder agreement and carefully drafted general terms and conditions, there are other aspects that should be taken into account.
New Company Law: Important Changes to Capital Requirements
From 1 January 2023, amendments to Swiss company law mean that some changes will take effect. These are also of interest to startups and SMEs, as they enable a more flexible form of capital structure and simplify certain aspects of company foundation.
Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company or Company Limited by Shares? What Startups Ought to Know
For anyone looking to found a company, there are a range of potential legal forms available under Swiss law. On closer examination, however, only a few of these forms will typically be viable. The appropriate form is determined by the number of stakeholders, the size of the company and the seed capital available.
Founding a Company Using Crypto and Foreign Currencies
Founding a Swiss company using crypto capital is already possible today. The legal requirements are though stricter compared with making a cash contribution in Swiss francs, and potential exchange rate fluctuations must be taken into account. The revised corporate law will make capital contributions more flexible and also open the door to foreign currencies.
The Virtual Shareholder Meeting Becomes a Legal Reality
The revised Swiss company law allows virtual shareholder meetings and enables company formation, capital increases or other shareholders’ resolutions via video conferencing. While the law is not expected to enter into force before 2022, parts of it have already been implemented under temporary Covid-19 provisions.