Cicero discontinued: What insurance brokers need to know now

Shortly before the start of the new statutory training obligations, the communication surrounding Cicero, myVBV and recertification is causing uncertainty in the industry. An email inquiry from an agent and the VBV’s response show how great the need for information is and what clarity has now been created.

The Cicero platform will be discontinued at the end of 2025 due to the new legal situation. A new sector register will provide information on tied insurance intermediaries from 2026. The FINMA register already provides information on brokers (independent intermediaries).

From January 2026, the mandatory recertification phase will begin for many brokers. For many companies, this means defining processes, preparing employees and setting training budgets.

Alexander E. Kunz, who represents around 40 independent brokers with Union Swiss Brokers Holding AG, reacted with corresponding surprise. In his e-mail to the insurance industry’s professional training association VBV, he criticized the late and, in his view, inadequate communication on two key points:

• Obligation to pay for myVBV – or not after all
• Postponement or clear deadlines for the recertification of Cicero members

According to Kunz, it was precisely because license costs of over CHF 300 were involved that the uncertainty for the specialists concerned was great.

VBV provides clarity: Digital learning path free of charge: but only once

The VBV’s response confirms key points that are relevant for all intermediaries:

1. one-time free access to myVBV

All existing insurance brokers whose data is transferred to the new examination database will receive full access to the digital learning path once and free of charge.

However, this does not apply to new entrants from 2026 onwards. They must acquire a license.

2. clear legal deadline for proof of further training

By August 22, 2026, all intermediaries must provide proof of further training for the first time.
This can be fulfilled in full via the Cicero further training requirement.

3. deferral for active Cicero members

Anyone who was an active Cicero member on July 1, 2025 will receive longer deadlines:

• Initial recertification audit by December 31, 2027
• Official call-up will take place on December 31, 2026

The VBV thus confirms that Cicero members are relieved of the burden of their previous training activities.

The information that myVBV will apparently be free of charge “is therefore probably positive”, but comes far too late, according to Kunz.

What does this mean for brokers and companies?

The VBV’s response takes pressure off the industry, but also reveals a structural problem:
Short-term communication makes planning and reliability difficult.

In concrete terms, this means for brokerage houses:

• Cost planning: The digital learning path is free of charge for existing brokers – an important relief signal.
• Process planning: Companies must ensure that the first proof of further training is provided by August 2026.
• Risk management: Unclear communication remains a factor that complicates internal processes.

A step towards clarity – but potential for improvement remains

With the VBV’s response, key points relating to further training and recertification obligations have now been officially confirmed. The industry has been given some peace of mind, but the desire for early, consistent communication remains.

One thing is clear for intermediaries: the new training processes are coming – and they are coming fast. However, with the structure now communicated, companies can begin to prepare their employees in a targeted manner.

Binci Heeb

Read also: Supplement to the article: “Cicero: What follows the seal of approval for insurance advisors?”