In a significant boost for the City of London's post-Brexit fortunes, trading volumes for major Swiss company shares have exploded on UK soil. This surge follows a landmark agreement that has effectively made London a new European hub for dealing in coveted Swiss stocks.
A New Era for Swiss Equities in London
For the first time since a political split with the EU blocked access, British investors can now seamlessly trade shares of Swiss giants like the banking behemoth UBS, luxury watchmaker Rolex, and consumer goods conglomerate Richemont directly through the London Stock Exchange. The catalyst was a new joint initiative between the UK and Switzerland, creating a dedicated segment named the 'Swiss MTF'.
Volumes Skyrocket Overnight
The figures are staggering. On its first day of operation, the value of Swiss shares traded in London hit an impressive £100 million. This activity has now consistently ballooned, regularly exceeding £350 million daily. This rapid adoption demonstrates pent-up demand and solidifies London's role as a critical global financial centre, capable of forging its own path after leaving the EU's single market.
Beyond Banking: A Luxury Affair
While banks are a major component, the appeal for UK investors goes much further. The opportunity to buy into the world's most prestigious luxury brands is a key driver. The London market is now flush with activity for:
- UBS and Credit Suisse (now part of UBS) in the banking sector.
- Lifestyle and luxury giants Nestlé, Richemont (owner of Cartier), and Rolex.
- Pharmaceutical powerhouses Roche and Novartis.
This move successfully reverses a five-year hiatus that began after the EU revoked 'equivalence' for Swiss exchanges in 2019, a situation the UK was automatically pulled into following Brexit.
A Strategic Win for the City
This development is hailed as a clear victory for the UK's independent financial strategy. By bilaterally negotiating with Switzerland, the UK has regained vital market access that was lost. It signals to the world that the City of London remains agile, innovative, and open for business, able to craft its own powerful trading relationships outside of the European Union's framework.
