Switzerland: Legal entities transparency register
Summary
On 26 September 2025, the Swiss Parliament adopted the Federal Act on the Transparency of Legal Entities and the Identification of Beneficial Owners (Legal Entities Transparency Act, LETA). The Act establishes a central federal Transparency Register administered by the Federal Office of Justice. LETA forms part of Switzerland’s anti‑money laundering reform and replaces the existing beneficial ownership regime under the Swiss Code of Obligations. It introduces mandatory identification and registration of ultimate beneficial owners. The Act applies to most Swiss entities and certain foreign entities with a Swiss nexus. Entry into force is scheduled for 1 October 2026.
Key changes and requirements
LETA requires in‑scope entities to identify and verify their ultimate beneficial owners and to register prescribed information in the Transparency Register. Registered data includes identifying details of the entity and, for each beneficial owner, personal identification details and information on the nature and extent of control. Shareholders and beneficial owners are subject to notification and cooperation duties to support compliance.
The regime applies to Swiss entities such as corporations, limited liability companies, cooperatives and specified investment vehicles. It also applies to foreign entities that maintain a registered branch in Switzerland, have their effective place of management in Switzerland, or own or acquire Swiss real estate. Exemptions apply to listed entities meeting equivalent disclosure standards, certain majority‑owned subsidiaries, and Swiss pension institutions. Foundations and associations are not within scope. Swiss‑based trustees not subject to Swiss anti‑money laundering legislation must identify beneficial owners of trusts they administer but are not required to register this information.
Newly incorporated Swiss entities and newly in‑scope foreign entities must register beneficial owners within one month. Changes to registered information must be reported within one month of becoming known. Transitional deadlines apply to existing entities and vary by entity type and circumstances, with shorter deadlines triggered by amendments to Commercial Register entries.
Access to the register is restricted to designated Swiss authorities and, for due diligence purposes, to financial intermediaries and advisers subject to Swiss anti‑money laundering rules. LETA introduces supervisory oversight, corrective measures and sanctions for non‑compliance.
How can we help?
Computershare can assist entities in assessing whether they fall within scope, identifying required beneficial ownership information, managing registrations and updates, monitoring triggering events and supporting ongoing compliance through the GEMS platform.
Contact:
Please contact your dedicated Computershare Relationship Manager or send an email to #GLCGSGECNetworkManagement@computershare.com for more information about how Computershare may assist you in responding to these new requirements.
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