Public interest

FINSOM is a non-profit and tax-exempt organisation. In the interest of the proper functioning of the free economy, FINSOM is committed to providing a mediation body (“mediation office” or “ombudsman office”) that is as independent as the judicial authorities and specialised in the Swiss financial sector.

Among other things, FINSOM aims to contribute to :

• Enterprise risk management.
• The discharge of the judicial system.
• Combating unfair business practices.
• Efficient and effective financial market supervision.
• The reduction of healthcare costs.
• The good reputation of the Swiss financial center.

Activities

• Provide general information on complaint handling and conflict or dispute resolution in the Swiss financial sector.
• Preliminary review of complaints or mediation requests.
• Organising and conducting mediation procedures.
• Guarantee the technical skills of the people designated to conduct mediation procedures or carry out independent material and legal assessments.
• Publication of an annual activity report.
• Contribution to the supervision and regulation of the financial sector.
• Managing affiliations of companies that join by legal obligation or voluntarily.

Excluded activities

• Any activity with the main goal of making a profit.
• Provide financial, legal or other advice.
• Represent parties in a conflict or dispute.
• Conduct investigations, issue judgements or sanctions.
• Distribution of third party products or services.

Supervision

• Tax authority of the Canton of Valais
• Federal Department of Finance (FDF)