03 Feb 2026
Florian Schönknecht joins CMS as partner
"CMS appoints Florian Schönknecht as partner effective 1 February 2026. He will strengthen the Investigations and Compliance and Banking and Finance practices, bringing experience from FINMA and private practice."
Florian Schönknecht will strengthen CMS’s Investigations and Compliance and Banking and Finance practice areas. He joins the firm at partner level and will work on investigations, compliance and financial market law matters.
Schönknecht has extensive experience in investigations, compliance and financial market law, and detailed knowledge of the processes and practice of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). He advises clients on compliance matters, conducts internal investigations, supports the implementation of preventive measures and represents clients in FINMA inquiries and proceedings.
Prior to joining CMS, Schönknecht served for several years as Head Investigations at FINMA. He previously worked as an attorney at a renowned Swiss law firm, where as a Senior Associate he led complex internal investigations for financial institutions and industrial companies. He began his legal career as a law clerk at the Swiss Federal Supreme Court and at the Commercial Court of Zurich.
Schönknecht has published and spoken regularly on topics within his areas of specialization. He holds an LL.M. from the University of Sydney and an Executive MBA from the University of Zurich.