Switzerland: Islamic banks and finance
Checked on October 12, 2026
Switzerland has neither a specific Islamic banking licence nor dedicated tax rules: Sharia-compliant products fall under ordinary law and FINMA supervision. Islamic activity is mainly geared towards wealth management for foreign clients, particularly from the Gulf, at private banks in Geneva and Zurich. The country’s first Islamic private bank, Faisal Private Bank, opened in Geneva in 2006 and gave up its licence in 2012. In 2026 Habib Bank AG Zurich offers Islamic banking services under the “Sirat” brand, including a current account, but no Islamic home finance for the general public could be identified.
The provider
-
Habib Bank AG Zurich
Islamic window- Group
- Habib Bank AG Zurich
- Supervision
- FINMA
- Products
- Current account
The “Sirat” Islamic current account offered in Switzerland is based on qard hassan and was approved by the bank’s Sharia board in 2022.
Closed or discontinued
Faisal Private Bank (Switzerland)
Opened in Geneva in 2006, the bank was converted into a family office by its shareholder Ithmaar Bank at the end of 2012 and gave up its banking licence.
Before you commit
- Ask for the names of the Shariah board members and their published rulings on the product.
- Check that the provider is authorised by the country’s regulator.
- Compare the total cost, not just the monthly payment: the calculators in this section can help.
- Read the contract: who owns the property, who bears the risk, late-payment charges and where they go.