Summary
The SECO will present six new studies on competition conditions in Switzerland on 29 January 2026. The research addresses central topics such as competition intensity, tariff reduction, consumer prices, non-compete clauses in employment contracts, banking market concentration following the UBS-CS takeover, and administered prices. The public conference is aimed at experts, media representatives and interested stakeholders.
Persons
- Ronald Indergand – Head of Growth and Competition Policy at SECO
Topics
- Competition intensity and market concentration
- Industrial tariff reduction and consumer prices
- Non-compete clauses in Swiss employment contracts
- Banking market following UBS-CS takeover
- Administered prices
- Financing advantages of state-affiliated enterprises
Detailed Summary
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs provides insights into comprehensive analyses of the current competition situation. The six commissioned studies cover a broad spectrum of competition policy-relevant questions.
The conference will take place on 29 January 2026 from 13:30 to 17:15 in the Auditorium Silva Casa of the World Trade Institute at the University of Bern (Hallerstrasse 6, 3012 Bern). Online participation via MS-Teams is also possible.
Media representatives can register until Wednesday, 28 January 2026, noon at [email protected]. The studies will be provided to accredited journalists on Wednesday afternoon under embargo (until 29 January, 13:30). Interviews with Ronald Indergand or speakers are possible upon early request.
Key Messages
- Six new studies analyse central aspects of Switzerland's competition situation
- Focus on market concentration, price formation and structural competition barriers
- Special attention to the banking market following the UBS-Credit Suisse merger
- Investigation of non-compete clauses and their impact on labour markets
- Analysis of price administration and financing advantages of state-affiliated actors
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Interest |
|---|---|
| Media & Public | Transparency on competition situation and market concentration |
| Companies & Industry Associations | Regulatory framework and competition rules |
| Employees | Impact of non-compete clauses on mobility and wages |
| Consumers | Price effects and market concentration |
| Banking Sector | Analysis of market concentration following UBS-CS takeover |
| State-affiliated Enterprises | Regulation and financing advantages |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Evidence-based competition policy | Delays in regulatory measures |
| Transparency on market concentrations | Unexpected negative findings for individual sectors |
| Basis for reform debates | Political resistance to necessary adjustments |
| Better understanding of price effects | Complex implementation of recommendations |
Action Relevance
For decision-makers:
- Use study results as basis for competition policy
- Prepare possible regulatory adjustments
- Initiate stakeholder dialogue on controversial topics (non-compete clauses, banking concentration)
- Initiate monitoring of consumer price effects
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and dates verified
- [x] Official metadata cross-checked with article text
- [x] Contact information and event locations validated
- [x] No unconfirmed speculation included
Supplementary Research
- SECO Competition Report 2025 – Official baseline on Switzerland's competition situation
- State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) – www.seco.admin.ch
- World Trade Institute, University of Bern – Event venue and research institution
References
Primary Source:
SECO Press Release – Competition in Switzerland – 26 January 2026
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/IMcNfYDYPdR6wPNjLI0TJ
Supplementary Sources:
- State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO – www.seco.admin.ch
- World Trade Institute, University of Bern – www.wti.org
- Media Contact: [email protected]
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on 26 January 2026
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Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 26 January 2026