Switzerland as a financial centre

24 October 2012. What is (just about still) legal – and what is legitimate? The demarcation questions have frequently been discussed in connection with the Swiss Banking Act recently. Is it excusable or even laudable if whistleblowers disclose abuses they have perceived but then are liable to prosecution because they have infringed bank customer secrecy?

Different perspectives
In the wide field of tension of values and ideals, there are a many shades of grey between integrity, strict legalism and a complete lack of principles. These shades must be considered in a differentiated manner from an economic and legal perspective. Professor Rolf Dubs will give the first lecture. He will ask the question “What are the prerequisites for a change of thinking in banking and finance?” (30 October). On the second evening, Professor Beat Bernet will speak about the topic “Between legality and legitimacy: building blocks of a new financial centre policy” (6 November). A week later, Professor Rainer Schweizer will explain “The role of the constitutional state and democracy in the crisis management of authorities and banks” (13 November).

Ethics in Switzerland’s financial centre?
The interdisciplinary series also intervenes in the public debate about the question of ethical appraisals in Switzerland’s financial centre. Thus Habilitated Lecturer Simone Westerfeld will talk about “Transparency in the interaction between SMEs and banks” (20 November) and Professor Dieter Thomä about “Democracy and capitalism” (27 November). Professor Martin Brown will conclude the lecture series with a debate about “Foreign customers’ monies in Swiss banks – tax avoidance, money-laundering … or just good advice after all?” (4 December).

Copyright: Photocase / klosko