The Swiss National Bank (SNB) reported a CHF 80 billion profit for 2024, planning a CHF 3 billion distribution to the Confederation and cantons. The SNB’s equity ratio stood at 7.9% in 2023. We propose that the SNB should announce a target for the equity ratio—rather than a distribution rule—and agree it with the Federal Department of Finance. This approach would enhance transparency and shift the public debate from how large profits the SNB will distribute to how much equity it needs given the risks it has assumed. Experiences of similar central banks suggest a plausible target range of 10–15%.