Savings Bank

In Switzerland, a bank is classified as a savings bank (German: Sparkasse, French: Caisse d'Epargne) if it primarily offers savings solutions like savings accounts, retirement accounts and medium-term notes.

The business of savings banks is to invest money deposited in savings accounts by private individuals in long-term, low-risk investment solutions.

Savings banks typically invest through relatively low-risk investment vehicles like government bonds, mortgages and other other loans secured by collateral.

Most Swiss banks with this type are regional banks. The first Swiss savings bank, the Dienstenzinscassa, was founded in Bern in 1787.

More on this topic:
Swiss savings account comparison