Key facts
The debt enforcement and bankruptcy offices play an essential role in the proper functioning of the economy. They allow creditors to pursue their claims on debtors as part of legal enforcement proceedings. In 2019, around 3 million claims were reported and 16,000 bankruptcy proceedings were opened by debt enforcement and bankruptcy offices operating in Switzerland, of which there are over 400. The cantons are responsible for organising and supervising the debt enforcement and bankruptcy offices. The Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) is responsible for the supreme supervision of the consistent application of the Federal Act on Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy (DEBA). The FOJ has half an FTE for this activity.