The concept of the AMLA envisages that financial intermediaries in the so-called "alternative financial sector" (also known as the parabanking sector) should be able to create organisations in their own mutual interest which set out in concrete terms the implementation of their duties pursuant to the AMLA for their sector, control member compliance with duties pursuant to the AMLA and impose sanctions and measures in the event of non-compliance.

As an independent, integrated centre of competence for compliance, (in addition to its function as a self-regulatory organisation pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, see SRO heading) the VQF is also an Industry Organisation for independent Asset Managers (hereinafter: "BOVV") with "rules of professional conduct for the practice of asset management " officially recognised by the Federal Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) since 23 April 2009 and offers you the corresponding supervisory service.

These rules of professional conduct of the VQF BOVV regulate the content of the asset management agreement and how it must be implemented (asset manager's duty of trust, information and due diligence towards the customer and regulation of the asset manager's compensation). Hence due attention is paid to the protection of investors.

The VQF is a lean, customer-focused organisation with a comprehensive range of services for financial intermediaries in the parabanking sector. In addition to numerous supervisory and other services, our in-house specialists, who have many years of practical experience and sound knowledge in their respective areas, place great value on providing personal, customised specialist advice on all matters concerning the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the rules of professional conduct for asset managers. They are available for individual consulting sessions, whether by telephone or in the form of a personal meeting. In doing so, our specialists always make every effort to develop efficient, pragmatic solutions while striving for an optimal cost-benefit ratio. Reliability and confidentiality are the bases of their thinking and actions.

I. Active memberships (supervised members) of the VQF

The following types of active membership of the Association are available based on Art. 3 Paras. 1 and 2 of the VQF Association By-laws.

• VQF SRO member (with two sub-categories: professional and non-professional financial intermediary): VQF member (supervised by the VQF) in its function as an officially recognised self-regulatory organisation (SRO) pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA)

II. Passive membership (non-supervised members) of the VQF

In accordance with Art. 3 Para. 3 of the VQF Association By-laws, persons who are not supervised by the VQF can join the Association as "VQF passive members" (friends and supporters of the Association). A number of banks, other organisations and private individuals are passive members of the VQF.

As a "VQF passive member" you receive the access to the protected members' area of the website free of charge, i.e. access to helpful information, documents etc. for members concerning the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the rules of professional conduct for asset managers.

In addition you receive the periodically published newsletter "VQF News" free of charge as well as an invitation to the Annual General Meeting. You also have access to the directory of members of the VQF. Passive members only pay the annual membership contribution determined by the Annual General Meeting. 

III. Forms

You find all forms in the section VQF Downloads.