I am considering a Swiss bank account for privacy and security.  When
Googling for information on Swiss bank accounts I typically find many
websites extolling their virtues and saying how great they are.  A
great majorities of these sites evidently get kickbacks or fees, so
they have a vested interest in you getting a Swiss bank account.  I
did however come across the following story from another perspective:
http://www.escapeartist.com/efam/49/Swiss_Banking.html

So I want to know the objective lowdown on Swiss banking.  Is it a
good idea?  Or am I likely to suffer nightmares experienced by this
lady?

Consider opening an account in another tax haven such as Bermuda or Guernsey

here is a good article on offshore banking:

http://www.freebooter.com/articles/asset-protection-article-2.asp

The website of the "Swiss Bankers Association":
http://www.swissbanking.org/en/home/portrait.htm

has a page on "Opening a bank account" (FAQ):
http://www.swissbanking.org/en/home/faq-kontoeroeffnung.htm