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A Corporate Policy sets the ground rules for how a Swiss company operates, covering everything from decision-making to employee conduct. It's a formal document that maps out key responsibilities, standards, and procedures that everyone in the organization must follow - from the board of directors to entry-level staff.

These policies align with Swiss corporate law (especially the Code of Obligations) and help protect companies from legal and operational risks. They typically outline specific rules for financial controls, data protection, ethical business practices, and compliance with industry regulations. Good corporate policies make daily operations smoother and create clear accountability across all levels of the organization.

Put a Corporate Policy in place when your Swiss company grows beyond informal management or faces new regulatory requirements. This becomes essential during key business changes: expanding operations, adding new departments, entering regulated industries, or preparing for an audit by FINMA or other authorities.

Having clear policies ready before problems arise helps prevent costly mistakes and legal issues. It's particularly important when onboarding new executives, standardizing procedures across locations, or responding to compliance requirements in sectors like banking or pharmaceuticals. Many companies create their first formal policies during funding rounds or when pursuing major contracts that require documented governance structures.

• General Corporate Policies: Set company-wide standards for governance, ethics, and operations - commonly used by Swiss SMEs and startups
• Department-Specific Policies: Focus on rules for individual units like HR, Finance, or IT - especially important for regulated sectors
• Compliance Policies: Address specific regulatory requirements under Swiss law, particularly in banking, insurance, and healthcare
• Risk Management Policies: Detail procedures for identifying and handling business risks, required by many Swiss boards
• Operational Policies: Cover day-to-day procedures, internal controls, and reporting structures - essential for ISO certification

• Board of Directors: Approves and oversees Corporate Policy implementation, ensuring alignment with Swiss law and company strategy
• Executive Management: Develops policy content, implements procedures, and monitors compliance across departments
• Legal Department: Drafts and reviews policies to ensure compliance with Swiss regulations and corporate law
• Compliance Officers: Maintain and update policies, conduct training, and track adherence to standards
• Employees: Must understand and follow policies in their daily work, reporting violations when noticed
• External Auditors: Review policies during annual audits to verify proper governance and regulatory compliance

• Company Assessment: Review your organization's structure, industry regulations, and specific risk areas
• Legal Framework: Identify relevant Swiss laws and regulations affecting your business operations
• Stakeholder Input: Gather feedback from department heads about operational needs and challenges
• Policy Scope: Define clear objectives, covered activities, and affected departments or roles
• Documentation: Collect existing procedures, industry standards, and compliance requirements
• Draft Creation: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound policy template, customized to your needs
• Internal Review: Have key stakeholders review and validate the policy's practicality and completeness

• Policy Purpose: Clear statement of objectives and scope of application within the organization
• Legal Framework: Reference to relevant Swiss laws and regulatory requirements being addressed
• Governance Structure: Defined roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines for policy implementation
• Compliance Requirements: Specific procedures and standards for meeting legal obligations
• Data Protection: Rules aligned with Swiss data protection laws and GDPR requirements
• Enforcement Measures: Clear consequences and procedures for policy violations
• Review Process: Schedule and procedure for regular policy updates and amendments
• Authorization Details: Approval date, version number, and authorized signatories

A Corporate Policy differs significantly from a Corporate Governance Document in several key aspects, though both play crucial roles in Swiss business operations. While they may seem similar at first glance, understanding their distinct purposes helps choose the right tool for your needs.

• Scope and Purpose: Corporate Policies focus on specific operational rules and procedures, while Corporate Governance Documents outline the broader framework for company management and oversight
• Legal Standing: Governance Documents are typically required by Swiss law for certain company types and must be filed officially, while Corporate Policies are internal tools that can be modified more freely
• Implementation Level: Policies guide day-to-day operations and employee conduct, while Governance Documents structure board-level decisions and shareholder relationships
• Flexibility: Corporate Policies can be updated as needed to address changing business needs, while Governance Documents usually require formal amendment procedures and stakeholder approval