In conducting its monetary policy, the SNB is obliged by Constitution and statute to act in accordance with the interests of the country as a whole. Its primary goal is to ensure price stability, while taking due account of economic developments.

The SNB is entrusted with the note-issuing privilege. It supplies the Swiss economy with banknotes commensurate with demand for payment purposes. It is also charged by the Confederation with the task of coin distribution.

The SNB manages the currency reserves, the most important component of its assets. It requires currency reserves to ensure that it has room for manoeuvre in its monetary policy at all times.

The SNB participates in international monetary cooperation. To this end, it works in conjunction with the federal authorities. It participates in multilateral institutions, cooperates with the federal government in providing international monetary assistance, and works on a bilateral level with other central banks and authorities.

The SNB collects statistical data for the purpose of fulfilling its monetary policy tasks and its oversight functions, as part of its contribution to the stability of the Swiss financial system, on behalf of international organisations, and for drawing up the balance of payments and statistics on the international investment position.