Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (BCV) was founded on 19 December 1845 by the Vaud Cantonal Parliament (Grand Conseil vaudois) as a société anonyme de droit public (i.e., a corporation organized under public law).

The Canton of Vaud is BCV’s majority shareholder, with 66.95% of the share capital. BCV is listed in the Vaud Commercial Register and is subject to all applicable legislation. Its legal status is defined in the Cantonal Act Governing the Organization of Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (LBCV) of 20 June 1995, as amended on 25 June 2002, 30 January 2007 and 2 March 2010.

BCV’s commitments are not underwritten by Vaud Canton. However, customer deposits are covered by a nationwide system of investor protection concerning Swiss banks and securities dealers. This system insures deposits of up to CHF 100,000 per person and per bank. In addition, a limited cantonal guarantee applies to deposits with Caisse d’Epargne Cantonale Vaudoise, a savings institution managed by the Bank.