Harmonization and digitization of Swiss payment traffic

The Swiss financial center will continue to drive forward the harmonization and digitization of payment traffic in the coming years. The existing schemes, processes, formats and receipts will be continuously simplified and standardized or replaced and new ones will be introduced. The aim is to make seamless payment processes even simpler and faster in the future. In addition, the entire value creation chain, from invoicing to payment, will be digitized and automated in a sustainable manner, which will improve the processing quality, among other things.

The aim of these measures is to keep pace with market requirements and to remain competitive both nationally and internationally. The digitization of payment traffic, which is of great importance for the entire Swiss economy, makes a decisive contribution to this. Payment transactions support all national and international business transactions and thus make a material contribution to Switzerland’s economic output.

This includes, in particular, the further expansion of the functionalities of the digital invoice (eBill) and the launch of instant payments (real-time transfers) in Switzerland. Instant payments are on the rise around the world, especially in Europe (Switzerland’s most important trading partner).

Milestones

eBill

  • 2024: Full-scale introduction of eBill Donations (digital donation function)
  • 2024: Nationwide market penetration of eBill for Business (digital receipt of invoices for companies via eBill)
  • The invoicing process will be fully digitized by the end of the decade.

Instant payments (real-time transfers)

  • 2024: Introduction in Switzerland

Further information

Status

Start 2016
End 2029

Responsible

SIX Banking Services

Goals

Switzerland will take advantage of its opportunities with regard to the virtual international economy


Domains

Infrastructure

Public authorities promote and operate reliable and resilient physical as well as digital infrastructures.

*OGD: Updated in May of the reporting year, adjusted for double counts.