Schweizerische Nationalbank : Swiss reject sovereign money initiative to radically alter bank lending

Schweizerische Nationalbank is the central bank of Switzerland. The Bank conducts Switzerland's monetary policy as an independent central bank and is responsible for price stability. Through the intermediary of the commercial banks and Swiss Post, it supplies the economy with bank notes and coins. In the field of cashless payment transactions, the Bank provides services for payments between banks through Swiss Interbank Clearing (SIC). In addition, Schweizerische Nationalbank manages international reserves, such as gold, foreign exchange and international payment instruments; compiles various statistical information, including banking statistics, as well as balance of payments; and advises federal authorities on the issues of monetary policy. Furthermore, it is divided into three departments: Department I and Department III in Zuerich, and Department II in Berne.