(01.05.2024) The upward trajectory in bankruptcy filings persisted throughout 2023, marking a significant milestone. Nearly 15,500 companies closed their doors, reflecting a 2.9% increase compared to the previous year. This figure represents the highest ever recorded by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Never before have bankruptcy figures continued to increase for three consecutive years since the inception of statistical data collection in this domain. In 2021, liquidation procedures saw a 9.1% spike, totaling 14,081 cases. The trend persisted in 2022, with a 6.6% rise (15,009 cases). While the pace may have slowed slightly, bankruptcies continued to climb in 2023, reaching 15,447 cases.
Despite these overarching trends, regional disparities in bankruptcy rates remained relatively subdued. The Lake Geneva region experienced the most substantial increase (+284 cases), while Ticino observed a notable decline (-159).
Financial losses tied to bankruptcies in Switzerland saw an 11.7% reduction in 2023 compared to the previous year, amounting to 2 billion francs. While this downward trend prevailed in 15 cantons, Fribourg (+247 million francs) and Zug (+133 million francs) witnessed significant financial burdens, primarily due to a few high-value procedures.
Following a period of stagnation of around 2.7 million during the COVID era (2020-2022), the number of payment orders surged by 10.7% in 2023, surpassing the 3 million mark. This increase was evident across all cantons to varying degrees, ranging from 5.1% in Appenzell Outer Rhodes to 34.4% in Glarus.
Excluded from bankruptcy statistics, dissolution procedures stemming from organizational deficiencies saw a decrease in frequency in 2023. The number declined by 13.5% annually, reaching 2,569 cases (-402 cases).
Last modification 01.05.2024
