Skip to content

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

SNB definition

SNB stands for Swiss National Bank, the central bank for Switzerland.

Like other central banks, the SNB is responsible for setting monetary policy. It is also responsible for the issuing of Swiss franc banknotes.

Unlike many other central banks, the SNB is a private company. Just over half of its shares are held by public institutions, with the rest traded on the Swiss stock market.

The SNB is also referred to as the Banque Nationale Suisse in French, Schweizerische Nationalbank in German, Banca Naziunala Svizra in Romansh and Banca Nazionale Svizzera in Italian. The Bank’s logo reflects all four languages of Switzerland, plus English.

The Swiss currency crisis

In early 2015, the SNB became international news when it lifted its currency peg fixing the Swiss franc’s price to that of the euro. The currency peg had been in place for several years, and its release caused major movements in the Swiss franc and other currencies.

To see the current and historical value of the euro against the Swiss franc, take a look at its chart.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - Y

See all glossary trading terms

Help and support

Get answers about your account or our services.

Get answers

Call 010 500 8626

Or ask about opening an account on 010 500 8624 or newaccounts.za@ig.com.

We're here 24hrs a day from 9am Saturday to 11pm Friday.