Sven
Millischer

From business journalism through OSINT and intelligence to communications

Passionate communicator and researcher with more than fifteen years of experience in intelligence and information work. Broad expertise in OSINT and artificial intelligence, due diligence, and public relations.

Sven Millischer
01

Expertise

At the intersection of communications, research, and intelligence.

Open Source Intelligence

Systematic research and analysis of publicly available information for in-depth background checks on individuals and companies, due diligence, and compliance investigations.

Journalism & Research

More than 20 years of experience in business journalism at leading Swiss media outlets, with a focus on financial and white-collar crime.

Media Relations & PR

Strategic communications, content development, and media relations – from editorial concept to audience-focused presentation of complex subject matter.

Report Writing

Writing and editing reports, analytical briefs, and investigations. Translating complex matters into clear, actionable documents.

Compliance & Risk Management

KYC and EDD investigations for financial intermediaries. Experience in combating white-collar crime, sanctions screening, and AML compliance.

Leadership & Teamwork

Experience leading research and editorial teams. P&L responsibility, client acquisition, marketing, and project management.

02

Career

From business journalism through OSINT and intelligence to communications.

Since April 2026

Experienced Communication Specialist

Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, Bern

Editor-in-chief and content lead in FINMA’s Communications division, driving strategic communication initiatives across the authority’s flagship publications and leading digital transformation projects.

  • Editor-in-Chief, Flagship Publications: Editorial direction, content strategy, and production of FINMA’s two most prominent publications – the Annual Report and the Risk Monitor – ensuring clarity, accuracy, and strategic alignment for stakeholders including regulated institutions, the media, and the public.
  • Content Lead, Website Relaunch (finma.ch): End-to-end content strategy and delivery for the full relaunch of finma.ch, coordinating a network of more than 60 content contributors across the organization to ensure consistent messaging, editorial quality, and alignment with FINMA’s regulatory communication standards.
  • Project Lead, AI Task Force: Heading a dedicated task force on the responsible use of artificial intelligence within the Communications division – defining use cases, evaluating tools, and establishing guidelines for AI-supported editorial workflows.
Since March 2026

Lecturer

OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences

Teaching engagement in open-source AI and ESG compliance as part of the CAS program in AI and Compliance.

September 2025 – March 2026

Founder and Managing Director

Diraya Intelligence, Zurich

Built an AI-powered OSINT and intelligence platform, combining HUMINT and OSINT with modern analytics for risk management, due diligence, and compliance investigations.

Since February 2024

Lecturer

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

Teaching engagements in operational, vendor, compliance, and process due diligence.

September 2024 – July 2025

Partner Information Services / OSINT

Forentec AG, Zurich

Built and expanded the firm’s OSINT services (KYC, EDD) in white-collar crime prevention and business intelligence. P&L responsibility, client acquisition, marketing, and execution.

September 2021 – August 2024

Head of Open Source Intelligence

AC Assets Control AG, Zug

Led OSINT research with a team of three analysts. In-depth background checks on individuals and companies, KYC investigations for financial intermediaries, and support for internal investigations and eDiscovery. Report writing and evaluation of OSINT databases.

April 2014 – July 2021

Head of Finance Desk & Member of the Editorial Board

Handelszeitung, Ringier Axel Springer Switzerland

Investigative reporting on financial and white-collar crime. Led a team of five editorial staff. Overall editorial responsibility for financial coverage. Moderated panels at industry conferences.

2009 – 2014

Business Editor

Handelszeitung / AZ Medien / Ringier (Cash)

Research, analysis, and reporting on financial markets, energy, telecommunications, and industry. Deputy head of the business desk at the AZ group edition.

2000 – 2008

Editor & Journalist

SRF, Netzmedien, Basellandschaftliche Zeitung, sda

Radio features (SRF1), IT trade journalism (Netzwoche, anthrazit), and news agency work. Early specialization in technology and business.

03

Education

Academic foundation and ongoing specialization.

Certification

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners ACFE, 2021

Certification

Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination

West Virginia University

Certification

Crypto AML Compliance

Anti-money laundering for digital assets

Continuing Education

CAS Communications & Management

University of St. Gallen, 2016–2017

Degree

MAS Business Administration

ZHAW School of Management and Law (AACSB), 2010–2012

Degree

M.A. / lic.phil. I

German Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy – University of Basel, 2001–2007

Languages

German
Native
English
Full professional proficiency (C1)
French
B2 (DELF diploma)
Italian
Basic proficiency

Skills

Open Source Intelligence Artificial Intelligence Journalism Media Relations Report Writing Leadership Financial Analysis Compliance & KYC Due Diligence Strategic PR Investigative Research Risk Management
04

Contact

Reach out directly – I look forward to hearing from you.