As of 1 October 2026, new obligations regarding the identification and registration of beneficial owners have come into force in Switzerland. Diacron supports companies in assessing their obligations and complying with the new regulatory requirements.
Switzerland is strengthening its regulatory framework on corporate transparency and the prevention of money laundering.
With the entry into force of the Federal Act on the Transparency of Legal Entities and the Identification of Beneficial Owners (LTPG) on 1 October 2026, companies within its scope must comply with new requirements concerning the identification, verification, documentation and reporting of individuals who ultimately exercise control over them.
The legislation also introduces the Swiss Transparency Register, a central database in which the beneficial owners of entities subject to the new requirements must be registered.
Which companies are affected by the new legislation?
The LTPG applies to a broad range of legal entities, including:
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may also be subject to the new requirements.
Company size alone does not determine whether the legislation applies. The legal form, ownership structure and control arrangements must also be considered, taking into account any applicable exemptions.
Companies with a single shareholder, as well as groups with complex ownership structures involving multiple companies or holding entities, should therefore assess their position under the new rules.
Who qualifies as a beneficial owner?
One of the key aspects of the LTPG is the identification of individuals who directly or indirectly exercise ultimate control over a company.
Identifying the shareholders or members formally recorded in the company's registers may not be sufficient.
Indirect shareholdings, control agreements and complex corporate structures must also be taken into account.
The identification process may require an in-depth review, particularly in the case of international groups, holding companies and multi-layered ownership structures.
The new Swiss Transparency Register
The Swiss Transparency Register, operational since 1 October 2026, collects information on the beneficial owners of legal entities covered by the legislation.
The register is not publicly accessible. Access is restricted to parties authorised under the law, including competent authorities and, within the limits established by the legislation, certain financial intermediaries and advisers.
Registration is carried out through the federal EasyGov platform and is free of charge.
For companies subject to the legislation, however, compliance goes beyond a one-off administrative filing.
The information submitted must be accurate, properly documented and kept up to date, with any relevant changes reported within the applicable deadlines.
Why should companies take action now?
The entry into force of the LTPG represents a significant development in Swiss corporate governance and compliance.
Deadlines for initial registration vary depending on the type of legal entity. It is therefore essential to determine which deadline applies to each company.
Taking action at an early stage allows businesses to:
Compliance may be particularly challenging where indirect shareholdings, foreign shareholders or international corporate structures are involved.
How Diacron can support your business
Diacron assists Swiss companies and international groups in meeting the new corporate transparency requirements, providing coordinated professional support from the initial assessment through to the management of the necessary compliance procedures.
Our professionals can assist with:
✔ Preliminary assessment: determining whether the LTPG applies and identifying the relevant compliance deadlines.
✔ Corporate structure review: examining ownership structures, direct and indirect shareholdings, and control arrangements.
✔ Beneficial ownership identification: identifying the individuals who qualify as beneficial owners under the legislation.
✔ Documentation review: collecting, verifying and, where necessary, updating corporate records and supporting documentation.
✔ Registration assistance: supporting the preparation and submission of information to the Swiss Transparency Register.
✔ Ongoing compliance: assisting with subsequent changes in corporate structures and the updating of information as required by law.
Drawing on its experience in fiduciary, administrative and corporate services, Diacron provides businesses with qualified professional support to address the new regulatory requirements through a practical, structured approach tailored to their specific needs.
Is your company ready to comply with the LTPG?
The proper identification of beneficial owners is now an integral part of corporate transparency requirements in Switzerland.
Assessing your company's position promptly will help ensure a smooth compliance process, minimise potential risks and avoid last-minute complications.
Contact Diacron's team in Switzerland to assess how the LTPG affects your company and receive professional assistance with the new transparency requirements.