There are over 600 domestic banks in Switzerland, as well as more than 200 foreign banks. One of the country's best-known institutions is that of 'numbered bank accounts'. These bank accounts are identified by a number only, assuring the account holder anonymity. As a result, the money in large parts of these accounts is of dubious origin.

Numbered accounts were introduced in WWII, in order to provide escaping Nazis with secret funds. Swiss bank accounts have been a favorite destination for funds stowed away by corrupt figures, ever since. Apart from this, there are of course massive flows of legitimate money as well. The Swiss banking business contributes heavily to the country's GDP.