Lausanne Studio Selected to Design Next Generation of Swiss Banknotes

The visual identity of the Swiss Franc is set for a dramatic transformation. In a decisive move that marries artistic innovation with national heritage, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) has officially crowned Lausanne-based creative studio Emphase as the architect of the nation's next financial face. The studio's visionary concept, 'Switzerland and its altitudes,' triumphed over a staggering field of more than 300 designers, cementing French-speaking Switzerland's pivotal role in the country's visual culture.

This is not merely a cosmetic update; it is a redefinition of how Switzerland presents itself to the world. Emphase, led by the dynamic duo Sebastien Fasel and Fabienne Kilchoer, secured the prestigious commission after a grueling selection process that whittled hundreds of submissions down to just twelve finalists. Their victory marks a significant shift, beating out five other shortlisted heavyweights in the final round. The announcement, made in Zurich on March 4, 2026, signals the beginning of a new era for one of the world's most traded and trusted currencies.

Emphase's winning design is a masterclass in thematic storytelling, embracing the vertical orientation that has become a hallmark of Swiss currency. The concept, 'Switzerland and its altitudes,' serves as a powerful narrative thread, weaving together the biological and structural fabric of the nation. On the front, the notes feature delicate, intricate drawings of native plants found at specific elevations, grounding the currency in the country's rich botanical diversity.

The reverse side of the notes elevates the narrative—literally. It showcases how human life and infrastructure conquer the terrain, featuring iconic imagery such as cable cars, the Glacier Express, and the Jungfraujoch observatory. "We really focused on the topography that shapes life in Switzerland," Sebastien Fasel told reporters. "We wanted to show how life adapts to the terrain." From the valley floor to the alpine peaks, the series captures the resilience and ingenuity required to thrive in the Swiss landscape, depicting everything from watchmaking precision to alpine cheese dairies.

In a display of direct democracy that mirrors the nation's political ethos, the selection process for the tenth banknote series was unprecedented in its scope. The SNB did not simply dictate the future of the Franc from behind closed doors; they opened the floor to the populace. Over 100,000 people cast their votes in a public survey during the summer of 2025, weighing in on the twelve shortlisted concepts.

This massive public engagement underscores the deep cultural significance of the Franc. The final decision, made by the SNB's Bank Council, balanced this popular sentiment with the rigorous assessments of an expert advisory board. The result is a design that carries both the seal of elite approval and the mandate of the public. The twelve competing designs, including the winning entry from Emphase, are currently on display at the SNB Forum in Zurich, allowing the public to scrutinize the artistic journey that led to this moment.

The unveiling of this new series comes at a critical juncture for physical currency. Switzerland is grappling with a stark paradox: while affection for cash remains high, actual usage is in freefall. Data from the SNB reveals a dramatic plunge in cash transactions, dropping from a dominant 70% in 2017 to a mere 30% by 2024. The digital revolution has undeniably altered the financial landscape.

However, the Swiss refuse to let go. "The use of cash is declining, but the Swiss are very attached to it," asserted SNB Vice Chairman Antoine Martin. He highlighted the irreplaceable role of physical money in unforeseen crises, such as power outages or digital infrastructure failures. This cultural attachment is so potent that the country is set to vote this Sunday on a popular initiative to constitutionally guarantee the availability of cash. The new banknote series is therefore more than just currency; it is a statement of intent—a physical anchor in an increasingly ephemeral digital world.

While the aesthetic triumph of the Emphase studio is the headline today, the engineering beneath the surface is equally formidable. The SNB has confirmed that the new series will integrate cutting-edge security features designed to keep the Franc impregnable. Antoine Martin emphasized the necessity of these advancements, stating the goal is to "stay one step ahead" of increasingly sophisticated counterfeiters.

The public, however, will need to exercise patience. The transition from design concept to legal tender is a meticulous process. The new notes are not expected to enter circulation until the early 2030s. Until then, the current series—launched in 2016 and featuring hands in action—remains the standard. As the SNB refines the Emphase designs for mass production, the anticipation builds for a currency that promises to be as secure as it is beautiful, reflecting the high altitudes and high standards of Switzerland.