“SERV makes risks manageable for Swiss SMEs.”
Global uncertainties bring new challenges for Swiss exporters every day. Having reliable cover is particularly important to SMEs when taking advantage of opportunities in international business.
The Chairwoman of our Board, Barbara Hayoz, talks about why the Swiss export industry is personally important to her – and what role SERV plays in creating security and stability.
Ms Hayoz, you’ve been the Chairwoman of SERV’s Board of Directors for five years. What does SERV mean to you personally?
SERV’s mandate is extremely close to my heart. SERV operates where entrepreneurial courage meets real risks. The Swiss export industry – particularly our SMEs – is the backbone of our prosperity. Many of these companies are highly innovative, internationally sought after and, at the same time, highly exposed. And our job is to give these companies the security they need to allow them to seize opportunities.
What are Swiss exporters currently most concerned about?
Many face a world that has become more unpredictable. Political tensions, unstable markets and payment risks present great challenges to SMEs in particular. Unlike large corporations, they often can’t broadly absorb risk. That is where SERV comes in – as a dependable partner by their side.
What specific role does SERV play for Swiss SMEs?
We make risk manageable. Our insurance solutions enable SMEs to enter into export transactions, access new markets and secure existing relationships. I often hear from business people that a project wouldn’t have been possible without SERV’s cover. That sort of comment shows how direct our impact is.
How was demand in 2025?
Demand remained high, particularly for cover against political risks and payment defaults in challenging markets. This reinforces our mandate: stable instruments that create trust are needed, especially in uncertain times.
What aspects of strategic progress were particularly important to you?
Being close to our customers is important to me. So introducing the new customer portal in December 2025 was an important step. It simplifies processes, saves time and improves cooperation – especially for SMEs that have to operate efficiently and straightforwardly.
How does SERV combine economic support with responsibility?
Sustainability is more than just an add-on. It’s part of our responsibility. We review projects carefully – from an economic, environmental and social perspective – to ensure that Swiss exports aren’t just successful, but also responsible. This strengthens the credibility of our companies in international competition in the long term.
How financially stable is SERV?
SERV is financially sound. A broadly diversified portfolio, tried-and-tested risk management and a strong capital base give us the stability we need. This is essential to reliably meeting our statutory mandate, including over the long term.
What significance does the new political direction have?
Taking on the mandate for the major infrastructure projects from 2026 will give SERV an additional role facilitating access to major international projects for Swiss companies – especially SMEs. The planned partial revision of the SERV Act will also create more flexibility to respond quickly to changed market conditions.
Your personal outlook?
I want Swiss companies to remain courageous in the future. SERV will do everything it can to support them – with reliability, responsibility and a deep understanding of the reality our SMEs face.
