The Swiss Federal Council brings the federal act on the implementation of recommendations of the Global Forum into force, whereas bearer shares only remain permitted:
- if as equity securities listed on a stock exchange; or
- if structured as intermediated securities.
On 1 May 2021, impermissible bearer shares will be converted into registered shares. The act also provides for a procedure to identify shareholders who have not complied with their duty to report to the company and whose shares have been converted. Shares held by non-registered shareholders will become void five years after the entry into force of the act, i.e. on 1 November 2024.
Since I am also a notary, please do not hesitate and contact me in case your clients seek assistance with respect to their Swiss entities for the conversion into registered shares.
Diego Benz, [email protected]