euroSIC, the payment system in euro

SIX Interbank Clearing operates the euroSIC interbank payment system for transactions in euro on behalf of the Swiss banks. In 2009, euroSIC processed about 4.4 million transactions worth over EUR 2,900 billion, which corresponds to 95% of the total turnover settled in Switzerland. The system is monitored and steered by the SECB Euro Clearing Bank in Frankfurt. Over 150 financial institutions with more than 3,200 bank branches currently participate in euroSIC.

With swisseuroGATE, Switzerland as a non-EU member state, has an interface via euroSIC to the TARGET2 RTGS system of the eurozone countries, as well as to the German and the pan-European EMZ and STEP2 payment systems. euroSIC participants have a rapid, inexpensive real-time connection to all financial institutions in the EU/EEA zone with swisseuroGATE. Conversely, swisseuroGATE enables the EU/EEA banks to conduct euro transactions with the euroSIC participants.

Guided TourThis animated presentation illustrates, by clicking on the small picture to the left, all worth knowing of the Swiss RTGS system euroSIC. It is part of SIX Interbank Clearing's interactive Guided Tour. Navigation tips.

Benefits in brief

  • Euro payments from any place in the euro area to any place in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and vice versa.
  • Over 3,200 bank branches in Switzerland/Liechtenstein and 36,000 financial institutions worldwide can be addressed.
  • Payments via TARGET2 to Switzerland and vice versa.
  • Payments via TARGET2 or STEP2 to and from Liechtenstein.
  • No correspondence bank connection needed.
  • Irrevocable and unconditional settlement in real time.
  • Favorable conditions.

Liquidity management “à la carte”

The euroSIC system is available around the clock from Monday to Friday. It simplifies cash management in euro for banks and features automatic liquidity control. euroSIC makes online liquidity management available for this purpose.

Each participant holds a settlement account in euroSIC that is reconciled daily through a sight deposit account at the SECB. In the process, SECB can exercise its function as system manager and grant credit to the system participant’s settlement account should there be insufficient liquidity. euroSIC participants may utilize this intraday facility without paying interest. Collateral eligible for repos must always cover the amount drawn.

Would you like more information or a personal consultation? Call +41 44 279 4747 or contact us using the online form.

What's new
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Swiss banking holidays

System participants