National Bank Act (NBA)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 9 Transactions with financial market participants
1 In performing its monetary tasks pursuant to Article 5 paragraphs 1 and 2, the National Bank may: a. maintain interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing accounts for banks and other financial market participants, and take assets into custody; b. open accounts with banks and other financial market participants; c. buy and sell, in the financial markets, Swiss franc or foreign currency denominated receivables and securities as well as precious metals and claims on precious metals (spot or forward) or enter into lending operations therewith; d. issue and repurchase interest-bearing bonds of its own (spot and forward) as well as create derivatives on receivables, securities and precious metals according to letter c; e. enter into credit transactions with banks and other financial market participants on condition that sufficient collateral is provided for the loans; f. hold and manage the assets designated in this Article. 2 It shall lay down the general terms and conditions for transactio
Art. 10 Transactions with other central banks and international organisations
The National Bank may enter into relations with foreign central banks and international organisations and effect with them any form of banking transaction, including raising and granting credits in Swiss francs, foreign currencies and international payment instruments.
Art. 11 Transactions on behalf of the Confederation
1 The National Bank may provide banking services to the Confederation. These shall be provided for an adequate consideration. However, the services shall be provided free of charge if they facilitate the implementation of monetary policy. The details shall be laid down in agreements concluded between the respective federal offices and the National Bank. 2 The National Bank may not grant the Confederation loans or overdraft facilities; nor shall it be permitted to buy government bonds from new issues. It may permit intraday account overdrafts against sufficient collateral.
Art. 12 Participations and membership rights
To the extent necessary for performing its tasks, the National Bank may participate in the capital of companies and other legal entities and acquire membership rights in such companies and entities.
Art. 13 Transactions for its own operation
In addition to transactions related to its statutory tasks, the National Bank may enter into transactions serving its own operation as well as effecting banking transactions for its staff and its pension fund.