Compare costs, providers, and make the right choice for your Swiss business in 2025.
Swiss businesses are abandoning traditional accounting firms at record rates. In Ticino alone, over 40% of SMEs now use digital fiduciary services—a number that's doubled since 2020.
If you're running a business in Locarno, you're facing a choice: stick with traditional face-to-face accounting, or switch to a digital fiduciary that promises 24/7 access and lower costs.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about digital fiduciary services in Locarno. You'll get real pricing data, provider comparisons, and a clear framework for choosing the right solution for your business.
More than just accounting—your complete financial back-office partner.
Recording transactions and preparing financial statements
Filing VAT returns, income tax, and tax authority communication
Processing salaries, social security, and employee documentation
Setting up new businesses and handling annual filings
Strategic advice on structure, investments, and growth
Ensuring adherence to Swiss cantonal regulations
This is broader than an "accountant" in many countries. A Swiss fiduciary acts as your complete financial back-office.
Important: In Ticino, fiduciary activities require official authorization under cantonal law (effective July 1, 2012). Always verify your provider is registered in the official Canton Ticino fiduciary register.
The core services are identical. What changes is how they're delivered.
| Feature | Digital Fiduciary | Traditional Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Access to data | 24/7 via dashboard | Office hours only |
| Monthly cost (small business) | CHF 150-400 | CHF 400-800 |
| Response time | Same-day chat/email | 2-5 business days |
| Document handling | Automated upload, cloud storage | Physical delivery/email |
| Financial reports | Real-time dashboard | Monthly/quarterly reports |
| Setup time | 1-5 business days | 2-4 weeks |
| Technology | AI automation, bank sync | Manual entry, basic software |
Digital fiduciaries typically charge 30-50% less than traditional firms. Here's why:
Traditional overhead costs:
Digital efficiency gains:
The savings get passed to you. A typical Locarno sole proprietor pays CHF 600-800/month for traditional fiduciary services, versus CHF 200-350 for digital equivalents.
Technology, regulation, and business expectations have aligned to make digital fiduciary services the smart choice.
Modern accounting platforms now offer capabilities that weren't possible five years ago.
FINMA now has clear guidelines for digital fiduciary services with strict accountability.
Modern entrepreneurs expect immediate access to business metrics, not weeks-old reports.
Real pricing data from the Locarno market—know what to expect before you sign.
Tools like bexio, CashCtrl, or MILKEE—handle everything yourself.
You handle transactions, professionals review monthly and prepare taxes.
Upload receipts and they handle everything—completely hands-off.
Full service with regular face-to-face meetings at their Locarno office.
Follow this five-step framework to make the right decision:
Answer these questions honestly:
Industry benchmarks for Ticino:
Watch for hidden costs:
Essential checks before choosing your fiduciary partner.
Confirm registration in official Ticino fiduciary register
Look for Fiduciari Suisse or EXPERTsuisse affiliation
Professional liability of at least CHF 1-2 million
Swiss data storage with bank-level security standards
Follows current regulatory guidelines for digital services
Send test questions to evaluate response quality and speed
Not all "digital" fiduciaries are equally modern. Ask about:
Essential features:
Advanced capabilities:
Red flag: If they call themselves "digital" but still require you to email scanned receipts or mail physical documents, they're not truly digital.
Before committing long-term:
Timeline: Plan 3-6 weeks from initial research to final selection. Rushing this decision costs more in switching later.
Understanding your choices in the 2025 market.
Decades of local knowledge, in-person meetings, established relationships. CHF 500-1,500/month. Best for complex needs.
24/7 access, automated tools, real-time reporting. CHF 150-600/month. Best for efficiency and cost savings.
Digital primary + quarterly in-person reviews. CHF 400-800/month. Best of both worlds approach.
Swiss-made accounting software with optional professional fiduciary services. Start simple, scale as you grow.
Everything you need to run your business finances, with expert help when you need it.
Create professional QR invoices in seconds. Track expenses with AI-powered scanning.
Automatic VAT calculations and quarterly reporting—never miss a deadline.
Connect with certified Swiss fiduciaries when you need expert help.
Yes. Most businesses switch during their financial year without issues. The new fiduciary will request access to current bookkeeping files, recent financial statements, tax history, and outstanding invoices. Expect 2-4 weeks for complete transition. Plan switches during slower business periods, not right before tax deadlines.
Reputable digital fiduciaries use bank-level security: Swiss-based servers, AES-256 encryption, multi-factor authentication, complete audit trails, and ISO 27001 certification. This is actually more secure than emailing PDFs to traditional accountants, as email is not encrypted by default.
Most digital fiduciaries offer video consultations included in monthly fees. For in-person meetings, some schedule quarterly face-to-face reviews (included or small surcharge), while others charge per-meeting fees (typically CHF 150-300). Reality check: After initial onboarding, most clients find video calls sufficient.
Digital platforms handle routine compliance (VAT returns, standard income tax). For complex situations like international taxation, corporate restructuring, or cross-border employment, they connect you with tax specialists. Choose a digital fiduciary with in-house tax specialists, not just bookkeepers.
Yes. Authorized Swiss fiduciaries can represent you with cantonal and federal tax authorities, whether digital or traditional. They can submit tax returns, respond to inquiries, negotiate payment plans, and represent you in audits. Verify your digital provider has proper cantonal authorization.
You might handle accounting yourself if: revenue under CHF 100K annually, fewer than 20 transactions per month, no employees, not VAT registered, basic accounting knowledge, and simple sole proprietorship structure. Even then, many find CHF 150-250/month worthwhile to avoid costly tax mistakes. If a fiduciary saves you 5 hours monthly at CHF 50/hour billable rate, that's CHF 250 value—plus they catch deductions you'd miss.
Ready to move to a digital fiduciary? Follow these steps:
✓ Research and shortlist 3-4 potential providers
✓ Book initial consultations (most are free)
✓ Request detailed proposals with complete pricing
✓ Check references and online reviews
✓ Verify credentials and insurance coverage
✓ Review your current contract for termination requirements
✓ Select your new provider and sign agreement
✓ Notify current accountant with required notice period
✓ Request final reports and all financial files
✓ Set up accounts in new digital platform
✓ Connect bank accounts for synchronization
✓ Upload or transfer historical documents
✓ Schedule onboarding call with new fiduciary
✓ Review chart of accounts and account mapping
✓ Confirm quarterly VAT return responsibility handover
✓ Update tax authority records if needed
✓ Set up recurring tasks and reminders
✓ Test document upload and approval workflows
✓ Review first reconciliation together
✓ Ask questions about reports you don't understand
✓ Establish communication preferences and frequency
✓ Set calendar reminders for quarterly tasks
✓ Verify payroll processed correctly (if applicable)
✓ Confirm you can access everything you need
Common mistake: Switching right before tax deadlines. Give yourself 2-3 months of buffer before major filing dates.
Three trends shaping the next five years of accounting services.
Machine learning will handle routine tasks, predict cash flow, detect anomalies, and answer natural language questions about your finances.
Traditional firms will adopt digital tools. The distinction will blur as all fiduciaries offer client portals and hybrid models by 2026.
Generic firms will struggle. Winners will specialize by industry, business stage, or service model. Locarno's proximity to Italy creates demand for cross-border expertise.
Digital fiduciary services deliver real benefits: lower costs, faster service, and 24/7 access to your financial data. But they're not right for everyone.
Choose digital if you:
Stick with traditional if you:
The hybrid middle ground works for most businesses: digital platforms for efficiency, with professional support when you need it.
Magic Heidi offers Swiss businesses the best of both worlds: powerful accounting software you control, plus access to certified fiduciary professionals when you need expert help.
Start with our platform:
Add professional services as needed:
Swiss-made for Swiss businesses. Built for compliance with Swiss tax law, VAT requirements, and financial reporting standards.
Last updated: January 2025. Pricing and regulations verified for accuracy. Consult with a certified fiduciary for advice specific to your situation.