Trade Group: Swiss Banks Hold $213 billion of Russian Money
2022-03-19
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1The Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) says Switzerland's banking system holds up to $213 billion of Russian money.
2These bank accounts are now getting attention as nations establish sanctions against Russia and its leaders.
3The SBA disclosure is rare for a country where generations of rich people from around the world have placed their money.
4For years, Switzerland has stayed neutral in worldwide conflicts.
5During that time, its bankers have refused requests for information.
6After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland announced that it would follow economic measures established by the European Union.
7The government ordered a freeze of all money that belongs to over 200 Russian individuals and groups.
8Mattea Meyer is a member of the Swiss National Council.
9She said Switzerland must stop Russians with ties to President Vladimir Putin and his government from getting the money.
10"The money and their activity ... help finance the war," she said.
11The Russian wealth of $213 billion in Swiss banks is greater than the value of all economic activities, or GDP, of more than 150 nations.
12It is larger than the GDP of countries like New Zealand, Greece and Hungary.
13However, the SBA said the amount was very small compared to the overall wealth held in Switzerland.
14Many rich individuals consider the country a safe place to keep their money.
15The organization said in an email to Reuters that it added up to a "low single-digit percentage" of offshore wealth in Swiss banks.
16Offshore describes something held in a foreign country.
17Other experts have said that, based on public information, the Swiss banking system could deal with limits on Russian money.
18Switzerland's biggest bank, UBS, said its exposure to Russian money is "limited."
19But more sanctions and new restrictions could keep the bank busy.
20I'm Ashley Thompson.
1The Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) says Switzerland's banking system holds up to $213 billion of Russian money. 2These bank accounts are now getting attention as nations establish sanctions against Russia and its leaders. 3The SBA disclosure is rare for a country where generations of rich people from around the world have placed their money. 4For years, Switzerland has stayed neutral in worldwide conflicts. During that time, its bankers have refused requests for information. 5After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland announced that it would follow economic measures established by the European Union. The government ordered a freeze of all money that belongs to over 200 Russian individuals and groups. 6Mattea Meyer is a member of the Swiss National Council. She said Switzerland must stop Russians with ties to President Vladimir Putin and his government from getting the money. "The money and their activity ... help finance the war," she said. 7The Russian wealth of $213 billion in Swiss banks is greater than the value of all economic activities, or GDP, of more than 150 nations. It is larger than the GDP of countries like New Zealand, Greece and Hungary. 8However, the SBA said the amount was very small compared to the overall wealth held in Switzerland. Many rich individuals consider the country a safe place to keep their money. 9The organization said in an email to Reuters that it added up to a "low single-digit percentage" of offshore wealth in Swiss banks. Offshore describes something held in a foreign country. 10Other experts have said that, based on public information, the Swiss banking system could deal with limits on Russian money. 11Switzerland's biggest bank, UBS, said its exposure to Russian money is "limited." But more sanctions and new restrictions could keep the bank busy. 12I'm Ashley Thompson. 13Hai Do adapted this Reuters story for VOA Learning English with additional materials. 14__________________________________________________________________ 15Words in This Story 16sanctions - n. an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country 17disclosure -n. the act of making something known : the act of disclosing something 18exposure -n. the fact or condition of being affected by something or experiencing something : the condition of being exposed to something 19We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.