Banks in Liechtenstein

The Financial Market Authority Liechtenstein (FMA) authorises and supervises banks, maintains the bank register and handles licensing and supervisory questions. The Swiss National Bank performs national-bank and monetary functions, while the FMA remains the supervisory authority for financial service providers licensed in Liechtenstein. LGT Bank AG, Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG and VP Bank AG are designated systemically important banks, each subject to a 2% systemic-risk buffer. Banks offer payment accounts, salary accounts, savings and fixed-term deposits, foreign-currency accounts, business accounts and trust accounts. Services differ by bank and may include CHF and EUR payments, cards, electronic banking, mobile banking, branch access and international transfers. Liechtenstein IBANs and BICs are used for account and payment identification. Liechtenstein's EEA membership supports EEA payment rights and SEPA access, while its currency treaty with Switzerland connects it to Swiss payment systems. A Swiss QR bill can be scanned through electronic or mobile banking in Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Before opening an account, the bank verifies identity, tax residence, beneficial ownership, the origin of funds or assets, the purpose of the account and the expected transaction pattern. Companies, trusts and foundations may need additional documents. Banks monitor accounts continuously and can request further evidence or refuse an application because of anti-money-laundering rules, sanctions, risk assessments or missing documents. Anonymous and fictitious accounts are not permitted. A basic payment account provides a protected access option for consumers with lawful residence in the EEA, regardless of their place of residence, when they have a genuine interest. This can include people without a fixed address, refugees, people seeking protection, asylum seekers and people who cannot be removed. The account must support deposits, EEA cash withdrawals, direct debits, payment cards with online payments, transfers and standing orders. It does not create a right to an overdraft. The bank must process a complete application without delay and no later than 10 business days, then open the account or give a refusal based on a legal ground. The fee must be reasonable. Deposit protection covers eligible account balances, including call and fixed-term deposits and their interest, up to CHF 100,000 per person and bank. All eligible accounts and currencies are consolidated for this limit. Private and commercial customers and, in principle, foundations are covered, while specific state and financial-sector exceptions apply. The Einlagensicherungs- und Anlegerentschädigungs-Stiftung pays protected deposits within seven working days after a protection event from 2026. This deposit protection is separate from investor compensation, which belongs primarily to the investing field. Debit, credit and virtual cards depend on the bank and product. Contractual limits, overdraft terms, foreign-currency charges and cash-machine fees require separate checking. Electronic and mobile banking are widely established, but an electronic-money or payment institution is a separate FMA-authorised category and does not automatically provide bank status or deposit protection. For a complaint, contact the bank first. The ombudsman can address civil-law disputes, while the FMA handles supervisory, licensing, registration and misuse matters; an FMA complaint does not suspend payment or limitation periods. Never send original documents with a complaint. Protect login details, check the website address and network, confirm changed invoice or IBAN details independently, and report suspected fraud immediately to the bank and the police.