Yes, private credit in Switzerland is strictly regulated by the Federal Consumer Credit Act (LCC), one of the most stringent consumer protection laws in Europe.
The main objectives of the LCC are:
- Preventing over-indebtedness : Lenders are required to carefully assess the creditworthiness of borrowers before extending credit to ensure that they can repay the loan without compromising their financial situation.
- Contractual transparency : Credit agreements should include clear and detailed information, such as the total credit amount, the effective annual interest rate (APR), repayment terms and rights of the borrower, including the right to withdraw within 14 days.
- Interest rate cap : The LCC sets a maximum interest rate for consumer loans, which is revised periodically by the Federal Council, in order to protect borrowers against excessive costs.
In addition to the LCC, financial institutions must comply with the guidelines of the Federal Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), which oversees banking activities and ensures the stability of the Swiss financial system.
Thus, the Swiss legal framework ensures robust consumer protection in terms of private credit, by imposing strict standards on lenders and by guaranteeing transparent and responsible practices.