CAS International Compliance Management HWZ

The Swiss economy—especially the financial sector—has a strong international focus. This global interdependence brings with it complex regulatory challenges. Compliance specialists must be able to understand and apply a wide variety of legal systems. In order to advise their organizations effectively, it is essential to be well versed in international regulations—cross-border compliance expertise is therefore a key success factor in the Swiss context.

Objectives and prospects of this continuing education program

The CAS International Compliance Management HWZ provides a strategic and practical foundation for navigating complex international regulatory landscapes with confidence. Participants gain in-depth insights into current trends and developments—taught by proven experts from the field. Graduates are optimally prepared to take on leadership roles in the international compliance sector, actively shape regulatory changes, and build sustainable, value-oriented compliance cultures in their organizations.

Target audience

This continuing education program is aimed at compliance professionals who want to expand their knowledge, take on more responsibility, or develop into international or interdisciplinary roles. It is suitable for employees of financial institutions, multinational companies, law firms, NGOs, and supervisory or regulatory authorities.

The program focuses on the most pressing and practice-relevant areas of international compliance. Key topics include cross-border financial business, data protection and cybersecurity, international tax compliance, ESG and supply chain obligations, anti-money laundering, sanctions and anti-corruption frameworks, whistleblowing systems, and the regulatory implications of artificial intelligence. All modules are designed to help participants identify risks early, respond effectively, and implement robust and future-oriented compliance strategies across jurisdictions.

Key Topics

• Cross-border financial business and regulatory risks

• Data protection and privacy regulations (incl. GDPR and beyond)

• Cybersecurity and digital resilience in compliance

• International tax compliance and transparency (e.g. FATCA, CRS)

• ESG standards and sustainability-related obligations, including supply chain compliance / business & human rights

• Anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime prevention

• Anti-corruption and international sanctions regimes

• Whistleblowing systems and ethical corporate cultures

• Artificial intelligence and emerging digital compliance challenges

• Assessment: The program concludes with a certificate thesis

Performance certificate

The degree program is completed with a certificate paper.

Lecturers and guest speakers

The CAS International Compliance Management HWZ brings together a diverse and experienced team of lecturers: You will learn directly from experts such as members of national and international regulatory bodies, compliance managers from international banks, FinTech companies and other companies as well as advisors with deep insights into regulatory processes.

The lecturers and guest speakers include:

• Alex Kunze, National Contact Point Responsible Business Conduct (SECO)

• Bruno Bischoff, Head of ESG Risk Advisory, ECOFACT

• Carmen Kiavila, attorney-at-law – Mark Livschitz, attorney-at-law

• Prof. Daniel Tarullo, Professor Harvard Law School, former Member Federal Reserve Board / Financial Stability Board

• Dr. Esther Widmer, Managing Director, Swiss Finance Council

• Kim Mauerhofer, attorney-at-law reason

• Lea Hungerbühler, attorney-at-law LEXIMPACT, judge at Cantonal Court Baselland

• Mark Livschitz, attorney-at-law

• Melanie Käser, attorney-at-law, Streichenberg

• Ruta Mrazauskaite, former Head Regulatory Compliance Revolut

• Sandro Germann, Head Legal Sygnum Bank

• Stefan Bürge, attorney-at-law, Probst Partner

• Stephan Zimmermann, General Counsel Sygnum Bank

University degree or higher education qualification plus at least three years of professional experience in the field of compliance. Other equivalent qualifications with at least five years of relevant practical experience may be considered as part of an exceptional admission procedure.

Admission to one or more CAS programs is independent of possible admission to the MAS program. This is assessed separately.