Swiss Bank Secrecy Under Renewed Attack

Stanislav_J writes "All you wealthy Slashdotters better start making alternate arrangements for stashing your millions. Switzerland's storied role as discreet banker to the world's tax-avoiding wealthy is under threat like never before, and this time the country ultimately may not be able to stop the rest of the world from prying into those legendary 'secret' accounts, said to contain between $1 trillion and $2 trillion. A massive German tax-evasion scandal is putting pressure on the Swiss to cooperate, and the rest of Europe is also hardening their resolve to force change upon them. Per the article, 'The official Swiss reaction has been self-conscious detachment, which they hope will deflate the issue,' but even their own citizens are not too concerned about those outside their borders: 80% of Swiss support the banking confidentiality law, but that number drops into the 40s when it is applied to foreigners. Pressure is also coming from US pols — not the 'let's pry into everyone's business' Republicans, but the 'make the rich pay their fair share' Democrats, including Illinois Senator (and presidential candidate) Barack Obama."

Comments

If it's small enough, take it over already.

[sethstorm]

Just declare each "tax haven" a terrorist country and get on with it. While you can't just raid enough banks and stock exchanges here in the US without someone noticing, that would come close.

They may have gotten Spitzer, but Wall Streeters (no, that doesnt include pension/mutual funds) need to know about the rules. When they violate said rules, they should feel something large enough not to pass on, and something they must face directly as those of Main Street face.