The decision by Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB) to have the debacle surrounding its digital subsidiary Radicant investigated by the Zurich-based consulting firm GW&P is attracting fierce criticism. SVP President Peter Riebli speaks of a sham investigation and criticizes the fact that the investigation period only extends from September 2024 to July 2025. In his view, the entire process from the foundation to the merger with the fiduciary fintech Numarics and the write-off of 105.5 million Swiss francs should be examined. «This is not an independent investigation,» he told BZ. «In this case, the perpetrator himself has decided how and by whom he wants to have his actions investigated. That is absolutely unacceptable.»

Immediate Departure of Bank CEOs Demanded

Riebli, together with councillors Marco Agostini (Grüne) and Manuel Ballmer (GLP), is calling for a parliamentary commission of inquiry (PUK) to operate independently of the bank. An investigation by the Finance Commission is insufficient, as it was itself involved in its supervisory function.

Riebli and Agostini strongly criticize the decision to keep BLKB Chairman Thomas Schneider and CEO John Häfelfinger in office until 2026. Riebli has announced a petition calling for their immediate resignation - acknowledging that while the measure may lack formal authority, public pressure can still be effective.

Stronger Control Demanded

SP councillor Ronja Jansen is more cautious. Although she has nothing against the external investigation, she emphasizes that political reappraisal is essential. Whether a PUK is the right instrument for this remains to be seen. She also calls for greater political control of the state bank and criticizes the withdrawal of government councillor Anton Lauber from the Bank Council as a strategic mistake. The distance between the government and parliament and the bank is too great, even though the bank manages significant portions of the canton's assets.