Why are Swiss Banks held with such high regard?

Question

We've all heard the story of the millionaire with a swiss bank account, or the corrupt politician.

I just wonder, How come politicians, millionaires and etc. resort to Swiss Banks when they can use other banks offshore or within their respective countries?

Answer 1

Because they never talk.

Answer 2

Although this is no longer ironclad today, Swiss banks will generally hold your account in secrecy. Meaning they will not disclose the existence of the account or its contents to anyone other than the account holder.  

Answer 3

Too many James Bond movies.

Answer 4

    See also: Bank secrecy

Swiss bank secrecy protects private banking information; the protections afforded under Swiss law are similar to confidentiality protections between doctors and patients or lawyers and their clients. The Swiss government views the right to privacy as a fundamental principle that should be protected by all democratic countries. While secrecy is protected, in practice all bank accounts are linked to an identified individual, and a prosecutor or judge may issue a "lifting order" in order to grant law enforcement access to information relevant to a criminal investigation.[23]