Companies
Swiss changes in September: Gotthard tunnel closures, dog bans and wage hikes
Switzerland implements new regulations including Gotthard tunnel night closures, a dog ban in Schwyz offices, Basel-Stadt wage increases, and revised federal prosecutorial rules. Ebookers halts Swiss bookings.
TWG working with regulators to cut affiliated insurance assets
Group 1001's insurers face scrutiny over related-party investments; TWG plans $6.5 billion swap to reduce exposure. Mark Walter denies fraud allegations.
Swiss banker Pierre Mirabaud pleads guilty in Kuwait corruption case
Former Swiss Bankers Association president admits to money laundering and illicit commissions linked to Kuwaiti pension fund investments. Trial set for September 8.
AIG appoints Allianz’s Anthony Vassallo as global energy head
Vassallo, who spent over two decades at Allianz, will succeed Warren Meigs, who is retiring after 33 years at AIG. The move underscores AIG’s focus on specialty lines.
Helvetia launches mid-tier auto insurance covering total loss after collisions
New 'Totalschadenkasko' policy offers partial coverage plus total-loss protection after self-inflicted crashes at roughly one-third the cost of full collision insurance, Helvetia says. Demand strongest among owners of 10-year-old vehicles priced around 44,000 francs when new.
Kühne’s $42 bln fortune to pass to Swiss foundation after death
The estate of the late logistics magnate Klaus-Michael Kühne will be managed by a Swiss foundation, with Kühne + Nagel as its core holding. Succession questions arise amid sector consolidation.
UBS study: Mid-sized Swiss cities more attractive for families than Zurich, Geneva
Lower living costs and strong infrastructure in smaller urban centers outweigh benefits of major cities, UBS research finds. Study examines 10 Swiss regions with a two-child family model.
Kantonalbank expansion must be strategic, not just for growth: expert
Reto Jauch warns Swiss regional banks against expansion for its own sake, citing governance and strategic discipline as critical to success amid rising competition and technological change.
Swiss canton rejects plan to redistribute BLKB profits to municipalities
Baselland government opposes initiative to divert one-third of Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank earnings to local communities, citing risk exposure and lack of ownership.
Zurich Insurance appoints Liz Padley as Group Treasurer
London-based Barclays executive Liz Padley succeeds Smriti Dahiya at Zurich Insurance, bringing over two decades of banking and capital management experience to the Swiss insurer.
Sonova launches Phonak EON hearing aids with third-gen real-time AI
Swiss hearing tech leader Sonova unveils Phonak EON portfolio featuring proprietary AI chip, 37% energy savings and 50 dB wind-noise reduction. U.S. launch begins Aug. 24.
Cham Swiss Properties posts 5% rise in H1 2026 rental income
Swiss real estate firm reports CHF 13.7 million in rental revenue, down from CHF 37.3 million in asset sales a year ago. Six projects worth CHF 172 million underway.
Powerus starts counter-drone production in Gulf region
U.S. firm begins manufacturing Guardian interceptors in GCC as part of partnership with regional defense manufacturer. Merger with Aureus Greenway Holdings expected to close in Q4 2026.
JetBlue to open second BlueHouse lounge in Boston next week
New 12,000 sq ft BlueHouse lounge at Boston Logan International Airport opens Thursday, expanding JetBlue's premium airport hospitality. Complimentary access expands to Mint and Mint Flex fare customers.
German logistics tycoon Klaus-Michael Kuehne dies at 89
Founder of Kuehne + Nagel, one of Germany's wealthiest investors, transformed the company into a global logistics leader before stepping back in 2011.
Logistics tycoon Klaus-Michael Kühne dies at 89
Kühne+Nagel founder and majority shareholder Klaus-Michael Kühne dies; fortune to pass to Kühne Foundation. Former Lufthansa and Hapag-Lloyd investor.
Logistics billionaire Klaus-Michael Kühne dies at 89
Kühne+Nagel founder and majority shareholder Klaus-Michael Kühne dies after brief illness. His fortune is expected to transfer to the Kühne Foundation.
Celsius Resources files disbarment complaint against Philippine law firm
Complaint targets senior partners at Sarmiento Loriega Law, including firm founder Julito Sarmiento, over alleged professional misconduct tied to Makilala Mining governance.
Partners Group exits Private-Credit stake in Gong cha
Swiss asset manager sells stake in global bubble tea chain after seven-year investment. Financial terms undisclosed as TA Associates sells to Bain Capital.
Temenos named Gartner ‘Leader’ in European retail core banking systems
Temenos ranked highest for ‘Completeness of Vision’ in Gartner’s 2026 Magic Quadrant for retail core banking systems in Europe. Temenos said it invests about 20% of revenue annually in R&D.
Swiss economic calendar: August 24-31, 2026
Over 30 Swiss companies and institutions to release half-year earnings and key economic data, including UBS-CFA Index, KOF barometer and SBB H1 results.
FinCEN targets Swiss bank over alleged dirty money ties
MBaer Merchant Bank faces U.S. sanctions threat over claims of links to Venezuelan, Russian and Iranian funds. Swiss regulators and bank deny wrongdoing.
AfD leads polls in Saxony-Anhalt election as far-right eyes federal power
Far-right Alternative for Germany holds 41% support in state vote set for Sept. 6, ahead of CDU at 24%, as party eyes first government role and broader national ambitions.
Pentagon removes leadership of U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes
Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin and publisher Max Lederer dismissed; correspondent Lara Korte also removed after statements critical of Pentagon oversight. Changes follow appointment of a military deputy to oversee the newspaper.