Fondssuisse, Confederation and cantons receive total of CHF 890.6 million

The SNB is transferring a total of CHF 890.6 million to the Swiss Fund for Aid in cases of Uninsurable Damage by Natural Forces (Fondssuisse) as well as to the Confederation and the cantons. This represents 90% of the equivalent value of the recalled sixth-series banknotes that had not been exchanged by 30 April 2025.

The partial revision of the Federal Act on Currency and Payment Instruments (CPIA), which came into force on 1 January 2020, included revoking the exchange period for old banknotes from the sixth series onwards. It also stipulated that after 25 years from the recall, the equivalent value of banknotes that have not been exchanged shall be allocated as follows (art. 9 para. 4 CPIA):

• one-fifth of 90% of the equivalent value shall go to the Swiss Fund for Aid in cases of Uninsurable Damage by Natural Forces (CHF 178.1 million) and of the remaining four-fifths of the 90% of equivalent value, one-third goes to the Confederation (CHF 237.5 million) and two-thirds to the cantons (CHF 475.0 million);
• 10% of the equivalent value (CHF 99.0 million) shall be retained by the SNB in order to meet the unlimited exchange obligation.

The sixth-series banknotes were recalled as of 1 May 2000; the allocation will therefore be calculated as of the reference date 30 April 2025 and transferred to the recipients in May 2025.

Sixth-series banknotes continue to be exchangeable at the SNB for an unlimited period of time at their nominal value. Information on exchanging old banknotes is available on the SNB website: Instruction sheets on banknotes and coins.