Crédit Agricole next bank, the Swiss subsidiary of the French banking group, has partnered with additiv, a provider of a Digital Financial Services Platform, to introduce “Pilla,” a fully digital pension service. Pilla targets Switzerland’s 3a and vested benefits market, offering a mobile-first experience. The service digitises the entire customer journey, including onboarding, risk profiling, and investment allocation, while complying with Swiss pension regulations. It is intended for clients seeking a simple and streamlined approach to managing their pension savings. Central to the service is additiv’s orchestration capability, which integrates with Liberty Pension, a regulated foundation and asset manager. This illustrates additiv’s open sourcing model, which allows banks to incorporate both their own and third-party regulated products into a single, coordinated process without extensive system changes. Pierre Fortis “Pilla marks a strategic step for Crédit Agricole next bank as we launch a modern, mobile-first pension product for a more digital-oriented, independent target group,” said Pierre Fortis, Development Director. “additiv’s platform enabled us to launch fast, with full regulatory alignment and a fully digital customer journey.” Pilla is designed for mobile-first users in Switzerland and also accommodates the bank’s cross-border clients living in France, Germany or Italy while working in Switzerland. It allows these clients to manage, contribute to, and monitor their 3a and vested benefits accounts entirely via the app, removing the need for branch visits. The partnership demonstrates additiv’s capabilities in digital pensions and investment solutions. Its cloud-native, API-first platform allows financial institutions to design, launch, and scale pension services quickly, integrating regulated offerings while maintaining compliance. Michael Stemmle “Pilla isn’t just a product launch, it’s a strategic leap for Crédit Agricole next bank, enabling them to offer a fully digital, mobile-first pension experience that improves access, advice, and efficiency for their customers,” said Michael Stemmle, Founder of additiv. “Through our open sourcing approach, we’ve enabled Crédit Agricole next bank to orchestrate regulated third-party pension solutions seamlessly into a mobile-first journey. It proves that our platform can set the standard for end-to-end digital pensions, fully compliant, scalable, and ready to consume new solutions as they evolve.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik The post Crédit Agricole next bank Unveils Fully Digital Swiss Pension Service appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Light Frame, a Lausanne-based provider of wealth management core systems, has appointed Philipp Rickenbacher to its Advisory Board. Rickenbacher was CEO of Julius Baer Group and Bank Julius Baer from 2019 to 2024, leading the institution through a period of significant transformation and external disruption. Since joining Julius Baer in 2004, he held various positions across Structured Products, Global Advisory Solutions, and Intermediaries & Custody. He began his career at McKinsey & Company in Zurich and London. He holds a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from ETH Zurich and has completed programmes at Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme and Singularity University. He is currently Chairman of the Zug-based venture capital firm CVVC and serves on several boards and advisory bodies in finance and technology. Schuyler Weiss “Technology is increasingly shaping the way private banks create and deliver value for their clients. A modern core is at the heart of this, as part of a long-term transformation strategy for established players, and as a critical stepping-stone for neobanks,” said Schuyler Weiss, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Light Frame. “Philipp has been on the front lines of that shift. His counsel will help us deliver even greater impact for banks ready to lead.” Commenting on his appointment, Rickenbacher said: Philipp Rickenbacher “I’m excited to join Light Frame’s Advisory Board. I am impressed by how the team combines business knowledge with modern technology. They are set to help financial institutions move towards modern infrastructure, and I am glad to afford them my support as they scale the company.” Light Frame provides an event-driven core system for wealth management, combining investment operations and portfolio management with a cloud-native, API-first architecture designed to integrate with existing ecosystems. The platform aims to reduce operating costs, support change, and enable real-time, compliant client service.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by topntp26 via Freepik The post Light Frame Names Ex-Julius Baer CEO Philipp Rickenbacher to Advisory Board appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Storyline, a US-based platform providing personalised AI-generated video for wealth and asset management, has secured its first institutional funding round, led by Zurich-based FiveT Fintech. The platform is designed specifically for financial institutions, converting traditional reporting formats, such as PDFs, portfolio summaries and performance updates, into secure, compliant video “episodes” suitable for both desktop and mobile. These videos are intended to support client communication across the wealth management lifecycle. Unlike generative AI tools aimed at marketing, Storyline’s deterministic AI prioritises compliance, accuracy and security. Financial institutions can produce market updates, fund explainers, portfolio reviews and proposals, all with built-in analytics, narration controls and audit-ready workflows. The platform integrates with existing systems through an API-first approach, allowing for rapid deployment. David Navama “Private banking has long struggled to balance personalisation with scale,” said David Navama, Co-founder and CEO of Storyline. “Storyline bridges that gap with a compliant, video-first format that clients actually consume. We believe this empowers relationship managers to deliver more impactful interactions, while signalling to the next generation of wealth management clients that their bank is ready to engage and communicate in their language.” As generational wealth transfers and investor expectations shift towards digital channels, financial institutions are seeking ways to modernise communications without losing the human element. Storyline aims to support firms in enhancing advisor-client connections by freeing time for relationship managers and providing timely, relevant updates in a format clients can revisit. “FiveT Fintech shares our conviction that wealth management doesn’t need another replacement for the relationship manager, it needs augmentation,” Navama added. “With their support, we can accelerate our mission to redefine how financial institutions engage clients, ensuring every update is timely, compliant, and meaningful.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by jcomp via Freepik The post Storyline Secures First Institutional Funding Led by FiveT Fintech appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The Swiss Bankers Association (SBA), PostFinance, Sygnum and UBS have completed a feasibility study enabling legally compliant payments with digitised bank deposits on a public blockchain. The findings mark a first for the Swiss financial centre. While today’s payment systems are fast and efficient, they face limitations with emerging digital business models. The deposit token concept seeks to address this by bringing bank deposits onto the blockchain, enabling payments around the clock, fully integrated into digital processes and capable of automation. Martin Hess, Chief Economist and Head of the SBA’s Digital Currencies Project, said: Martin Hess “The tested token is a strategic step towards the future of the payment system and underlines the innovative capacity of the Swiss financial centre.” Alexander Thoma, Head of Digital Assets at PostFinance, noted the practical implications: Alexander Thoma “The deposit token offers great potential for making payment transactions more efficient and secure for all parties in the future. The feasibility study has shown that blockchain technology works for this and is legally viable.” The technology allows for programmable transactions through smart contracts, enabling automatic payments when conditions are met. Potential applications include automated securities trading and machine-to-machine transactions in the Internet of Things. Two use cases were examined: payments between customers of different banks and the automated exchange of assets via a trust-like process. The results confirmed that the technology functions effectively, that payments are legally binding, and that regulatory requirements and depositor protection are met. This is the first time deposit tokens have been shown to work across banks in a compliant and transparent manner. The report forms the basis for a broader introduction and further development of the deposit token. The next phase will require adjustments to the model and wider collaboration with other banks and authorities, with the aim of making blockchain-based payments more broadly available to Swiss bank customers. The initiative represents a shift towards modernised, efficient financial infrastructure. It also signals a coordinated effort by Swiss banks to contribute to the development of future payment systems.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on screenshot from video by Swiss Banking via YouTube The post Swiss Banks Complete First Deposit Token Trial on Public Blockchain appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Worldline, a global provider of payment solutions, announces that Bernhard Lachenmeier will take on the role of Managing Director and Head of Merchant Services Switzerland from October 1. In this dual role, he will have overall responsibility for the Swiss business and oversee the strategic development of the company’s merchant services activities. Bernhard Lachenmeier has more than 20 years of management experience in the financial and payments sector. He previously held senior positions at SIX Payment Services and CCV Switzerland and most recently served as Head of Shopping & Merchant Solutions at PostFinance. Bernhard Lachenmeier “I am looking forward to working with our team to shape the future of Worldline in Switzerland and to advance innovations in digital payments, providing our customers with reliable, secure and sustainable solutions,” he said. The appointment of Bernhard Lachenmeier reflects the strategic importance of Switzerland for Worldline. Combining national responsibility with expertise in merchant services is intended to support the company’s growth strategy and strengthen its customer and partner engagement.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by ariyenrahul806 via Freepik The post Bernhard Lachenmeier Named Worldline Managing Director, Switzerland appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Binance has announced a strategic collaboration with Franklin Templeton, a global investment firm managing US$1.6 trillion in assets, to develop new digital asset initiatives and products. The partnership combines Franklin Templeton’s expertise in the compliant tokenisation of securities with Binance’s global trading infrastructure and investor reach. The collaboration aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in capital markets, while improving settlement speed and yield opportunities. It seeks to connect the scale of traditional finance with the agility of digital markets and provide solutions for a broad range of investors. Roger Bayston, Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Assets at Franklin Templeton, said investors are increasingly curious about digital assets but emphasised that these must be both accessible and reliable. He commented, Roger Bayston “By working with Binance, we can deliver breakthrough products that meet the requirements of global capital markets and co-create the portfolios of the future. Our goal is to take tokenisation from concept to practice for clients to achieve efficiencies in settlement, collateral management, and portfolio construction at scale.” Catherine Chen, Head of VIP and Institutional at Binance, said, Catherine Chen “Binance has a record of innovating first in crypto solutions that unlock access and opportunities for investors. Our strategic collaboration with Franklin Templeton to develop new products and initiatives furthers our commitment to bridge crypto with traditional capital markets and open up greater possibilities.” The collaboration reflects a convergence between traditional finance and digital assets, combining tokenisation expertise with global reach to create solutions that are efficient, accessible, and scalable.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by rawpixel.com via Freepik The post Binance and Franklin Templeton Collaborate on Digital Asset Initiatives appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Swift, the Belgium-based financial messaging cooperative, has carried out experiments demonstrating how AI and secure cross-border data collaboration could help reduce fraud in international payments. In partnership with 13 global financial institutions, the tests applied privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) to allow participants to exchange fraud-related insights securely across jurisdictions. In one case, PETs enabled the real-time verification of intelligence on suspicious accounts, potentially shortening the time needed to identify international financial crime networks and preventing fraudulent payments from being executed. Another case combined PETs with federated learning, an AI technique that trains models locally at each institution without sharing customer data. Using synthetic data from ten million artificial transactions, the model was twice as effective in detecting known frauds compared with one trained on a single institution’s data. Rachel Levi, Head of AI at Swift, said: Rachel Levi “These experiments demonstrate the convening power of Swift as a trusted cooperative at the heart of global finance. A united, industry-wide fraud defence will always be stronger than one put up by a single institution acting alone. “The industry loses billions to fraud each year, but by enabling the secure sharing of intelligence across borders we’re paving the way for this figure to be significantly reduced, and allowing fraud to be stopped in a matter of minutes, not hours or days.” Swift plans to expand participation before moving to a second phase of trials using real transaction data to assess the impact of the technologies in live environments. The cooperative has been exploring AI’s role in financial services, with more than 50 use cases ranging from proofs of concept to live applications. Financial crime is estimated to have cost the sector US$485 billion in 2023. Earlier this year, Swift introduced an AI-enhanced Payments Controls Service to support smaller financial institutions in identifying potentially fraudulent activity in real time. Institutions involved in the experiments included ANZ, BNY and Intesa Sanpaolo, alongside technology partners such as Google Cloud.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by New Africa via Freepik The post Swift Tests AI and Data Tools to Tackle Cross-Border Payment Fraud appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

California-based AI search startup Perplexity AI has reportedly secured US$200 million in new funding. The latest investment values the company at US$20 billion, according to multiple media reports late on Wednesday (September 10). The Information first reported the financing, citing sources familiar with the matter. That report noted that Perplexity has raised funds roughly once every two months over the past year, with total funding now exceeding US$1 billion. Perplexity was valued at US$14 billion following a funding round in March, with its valuation climbing to US$18 billion after raising a further US$100 million in July. This latest round comes after Perplexity last month bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser for US$34.5 billion. The move would have allowed its Comet browser to better compete with the likes of OpenAI. The offer followed a proposal by the Justice Department that Google sell Chrome as part of a remedy in its antitrust case. A federal judge recently ruled that Google did not need to break up its search business, meaning it will retain Chrome. The emergence of AI-driven search tools such as Perplexity, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Google’s AI Overviews has given rise to the concept of generative engine optimisation, or GEO. “Businesses now face a two-front battle: keep their place in traditional search while ensuring AI systems recognise and cite them as authoritative answers,” the report stated. “Whether one calls it SEO, GEO, or simply good content, the playbook for staying visible is changing fast, and the cost of sitting out is invisibility.” As companies observe declining click-through rates, they have little choice but to adapt to an era in which AI provides complete answers to user queries.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by suriyawutsuriya via Freepik The post Perplexity AI Secures US$200M, Valued at US$20B appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

LSEG has launched its Digital Markets Infrastructure (DMI) platform for private funds and facilitated its first transaction. The DMI platform, powered by Microsoft Azure, is designed to support the full asset lifecycle, from issuance, tokenisation, and distribution to post-trade settlement and servicing, across multiple asset classes. LSEG has stated that the platform will be interoperable with existing market solutions in both distributed ledger technology and traditional finance, leveraging a range of the group’s products and services, including Workspace. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, DMI aligns with LSEG’s aim of supporting clients across the full funding continuum, alongside other initiatives such as the Private Securities Market. Private funds are the first asset class to use the DMI platform, with plans to extend it to additional asset classes in the future. DMI adopts an open and interoperable approach, bringing together participants from international markets to broaden distribution, raise capital, improve liquidity, and service assets within a regulated environment. Built on Microsoft Azure, the platform offers scalability and resilience. Its design aims to accelerate innovation while maintaining high security standards. LSEG and Microsoft will continue their collaboration to further develop and scale the platform. As part of the initial rollout, private funds on DMI will be discoverable by Workspace users, allowing general partners to interact at scale with professional investors within a platform they already use. Investors will be able to identify, analyse, and access private market investment opportunities that were previously less accessible. MembersCap and Archax are the first clients to join the platform, with the first transaction completed through MembersCap as general partner of MCM Fund 1, executing a primary fundraise with Archax acting as nominee for a major Web3 foundation. EJF Capital has also been onboarded as an early adopter, with a selection of its funds expected to be available on the platform shortly. Dr Darko Hajdukovic, Head of Digital Markets Infrastructure at LSEG, said: Dr Darko Hajdukovic “There are many processes in private markets today that can be improved. At LSEG we are committed to significantly improving access to private markets, by streamlining workflows, enhancing distribution, and enabling liquidity. We intend to do this by continually working with all stakeholders to enhance efficiencies and connectivity for both digitally-native and traditional assets.” “The onboarding of our first clients and this first transaction are significant milestones, demonstrating the appetite for an end-to-end, interoperable, regulated financial markets DLT infrastructure. LSEG’s position as a convener of markets can bring significant scale to digital assets and effect real change.” Bill Borden, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Financial Services at Microsoft, said: Bill Borden “Microsoft’s collaboration with LSEG on its Digital Markets Infrastructure (DMI) is a powerful example of the innovation driving our strategic partnership. Together, we’re reshaping the future of global finance to empower our customers to unlock new opportunities and drive meaningful change.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by freepik The post LSEG Launches Digital Markets Infrastructure Platform for Private Funds appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

CB Insights has released its annual Smart Money list, spotlighting the world’s 25 best-performing venture capital (VC) investors over the past decade. These firms consistently back breakout startups and achieve more exits than their peers, offering a front-row view of where innovation and capital are headed. Leading the AI wave According to the report, these 25 VC investors, which include Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, and Lightspeed, are at the forefront of funding artificial intelligence (AI) wave. They backed 52% of new AI unicorns in 2023, 73% in 2024, and 77% in 2025 year-to-date (YTD). Their focus on AI remains strong, particularly in agentic applications. Over the past 18 months, agent-related categories have led deal activity, with coding agents and copilots securing 28 deals; agent development platforms, 24; enterprise workflow agents and copilots, 20; and legal agents and copilots, 17. Infrastructure remains active as well, with 17 deals involving large language model (LLM) developers over the same period. Fintech dominance These 25 firms are also the most active VCs in the fintech sector. According to CB Insights’ State of Fintech reports for H1 2025, General Catalyst led the space, participating in 19 rounds. It’s followed by Andreessen Horowitz with 16 transactions, and Accel, Founders Fund and Index Ventures, each closing six deals. Notable transactions include Rippling’s US$450 million Series G (Founders Fund participation); Mercury’s US$300 million Series C (Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia); and Ramp’s US$200 million Series D (Founders Fund, Thrive Capital, and General Catalyst). Cybersecurity as the next exit hotspot CB Insights highlights cybersecurity as the likeliest near-term exit opportunity for these VCs’ portfolios. Companies like Tenex.ai, a cybersecurity company leveraging advanced AI and human expertise for enterprise security; Bedrock, which delivers AI-driven data security and management; and Arcjet, a security-as-code platform providing developers with the tools to protect their applications, are among those best positioned for exits. This trend has already started to accelerate, exemplified by Google’s US$32 billion acquisition of Wiz in March 2025. Wiz is an Israeli-American cloud security company headquartered in New York City. Outside the US, cybersecurity is also drawing money from these prominent investors. Since January 2024, Accel, General Catalyst, and Lightspeed have been the most active by deal count outside of the US, participating in 84, 64, and 55 deals, respectively. Their portfolios include Ireland’s Tines, an AI orchestration platform for security and IT teams; Israel’s Cato Networks, a network security company; and Torq, another Israeli firm specializing in autonomous security operations. Where the top VCs are deploying now, Source: CB Insights, Sep 2025 The 25 best-performing VCs CB Insights’ Smart Money 2025 list draws on an analysis of more than 12,000 venture firms, evaluating portfolio outcomes, share of rounds led, portfolio quality, capital efficiency, and entry discipline, to identify the 25 highest-achieving VC investors. Top venture capital investors based on 10-year portfolio outcomes, Source: CB Insights, Sep 2025 An analysis of these firms reveals that they are 6.5 times more likely than the average VC to back to a future unicorn. They also achieve 2.2 times more exits per firm, whether through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or initial public offerings (IPOs). Since 2015, these VCs have backed 80 companies that exited at US$10 billion+, roughly 100 times the US$100 million median exit. Their largest exits include Uber (US$75.5 billion, 2019), Coinbase (US$65.3 billion, 2021), and Coupang (US$56.6 billion, 2021). These 25 investors also tend to back the same ventures, with Sequoia and Andreessen Horowitz sharing 43 common portfolio companies, General Catalyst and Andreessen Horowitz sharing 42 companies, and Lightspeed and Sequoia sharing 36 companies. Among their most widely backed companies are Chainguard, a US-based developer platform for software supply chain security; Figma, a collaborative web application for interface design; and Wiz, each with seven of these top VC firms, including Sequoia, Spark, Redpoint, Lightspeed, Index Ventures, Greylock, and Kleiner Perkins. Currently, the most promising startups in these VC investors’ portfolios include Zepto, an Indian online grocery delivery app; Bilt, a US-based payments and commerce network that is known for its rent-focused credit offerings; and Glean, a US work AI platform that integrates with all of a company’s data. 25 best-performing VC investors in numbers, Source: CB Insights, Sep 2025   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by freepik via Freepik The post World’s 25 Best-Performing VCs Driving the AI, Cybersecurity and Fintech Boom appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Global consultancy EY has released a new licensing guide for market participants in Switzerland, offering practical guidance for industry players including fintech firms, distributed ledger technology (DLT) trading platforms, and payment system operators. It provides an overview of the main types of FINMA licenses and authorizations, outlines key regulatory frameworks, and explains specific requirements. The guide identifies five principal legal acts governing Switzerland’s financial sector under the supervision of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA): the Banking Act (BA), the Insurance Supervision Act (ISA), the Financial Market Infrastructure Act (FinMIA), the Financial Institutions Act (FinIA), and the Collective Investment Schemes Act (CISA). It also highlights the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) and the Financial Services Act (FinSA), which affect the financial services sector but which fall outside of FINMA’s direct supervisory scope. The Fintech License For fintech companies, BA is the core regulation. Under this law, the Fintech License allows companies to accept public deposits without engaging in traditional banking activities such as lending or paying interest. Introduced in January 2019, it offers a lower regulatory burden than a full banking license, while still requiring compliance with anti–money laundering rules and robust risk management. The license allows holders to accept up to CHF 100 million in public deposits or crypto-assets, without investing or paying interest on them. By contrast, a traditional banking license targets institutions accepting deposits above CHF 100 million, investing or paying interest on those deposits, and providing financing on their own account while refinancing extensively with other banks. Eligible applicants include limited companies, partnerships with unlimited partners, and limited liability companies, and minimum capital must equal at least 3% of public deposits and crypto-assets held in collective deposit, with a floor of CHF 300,000, fully paid up and maintained at all times. Governance requirements include management located in Switzerland, at least a third of the governing body independent of management, and assurance of irreproachable business conduct by key participants and management. Licensees must also implement effective risk management systems covering market, credit, default, settlement, liquidity, image, operational and legal risks. They must maintain clear separation of internal functions, in particular lending, trading, asset management and settlement, and have an independent internal audit function. They must also appoint a recognized regulatory audit firm for ongoing supervision. Regulated entities under the Banking Act (BS), comparative table, Source: The FINMA Licensing Guide, EY, 2025 Just like the banking license, the Fintech License also comes with costs, which are covered by fees and supervisory levies. To manage these, FINMA has created a new section in its Fees and Levies Ordinance especially for Fintech License holders. The supervisory levy includes a fixed basic levy of CHF 3,000 plus an additional levy calculated as 20% based on the company’s balance sheet total, and 80% based on the company’s gross income. On top of these levies, companies must also pay for relevant financial and regulatory audits, payable to the respective audit companies. FINMA estimates this amount to be around CHF 40,000 to CHF 50,000, which is significantly less than what is due for a regular banking license. FINMA authorization fees and supervisory levies, comparative table, Source: The FINMA Licensing Guide, EY, 2025 DLT Trading Facilities In addition to BA, FinMIA is another key regulation for fintech companies, in particular those operating digital asset trading platforms and payment systems. Financial market infrastructure groups, including DLT trading platforms, must apply for licensing as a DLT Trading Facility. A DLT Trading Facility is a financial market infrastructure which enables multilateral trading of DLT securities on a professional basis. These book-entry securities are transferred and held on a blockchain-based platform. DLT Trading Facilities are required to at least admit legal entities other than supervised financial institutions or private clients as participants; provide central custody of DLT securities under uniform rules and procedures; or offer clearing and settlement for DLT securities. Licensing of these facilities is based on the DLT Act, which entered into force in Switzerland in August 2021 and created a new type of financial market infrastructure. As part of the licensing process, FINMA requires applicants to address business continuity, including settlement infrastructure on public blockchains. To limit operational risks, licensees are required to carry out technical checks of the technology used, such as checking the source code used by smart contracts. Robust risk management and control systems are also mandatory. Minimum capital requirements include CHF 1 million for DLT Trading Facilities without central custody or clearing and settlement services; or CHF 5 million for DLT trading facilities providing these services. Small DLT Trading Facilities must hold at least CHF 500,000 or 5% of all DLT securities in custody. Regulated entities under the Financial Market Infrastructure Act (FinMIA), comparative table, Source: The FINMA Licensing Guide, EY, 2025 Payment Systems For companies operating payment systems, FINMA authorization is only required if necessary for the proper functioning of the financial market or the protection of financial market participants, and if the payment system is not operated by a bank. Applicants must have at least at CHF 1.5 million in minimum capital and provide collateral. Governance requirements mirror those of Fintech Licensees, and include proven integrity of qualified participants and management; clear separation between management, oversight, and internal audit functions; a supervisory body with at least three members; effective risk management and internal control systems, plus an independent internal audit function; and a recognized regulatory audit firm must also be appointed for ongoing supervision. Current License Holders To date, FINMA has licensed one DLT Trading Facility, namely BX Digital, which uses the Ethereum blockchain to trade and settle DLT securities, and five fintech companies. Yapeal is a Swiss app-based bank which combines a private account with a Visa Debit card. It also offers embedded finance through a B2B2X model, claiming over 850 corporate clients, and partnering with 25 Swiss businesses to integrate its financial services. Bivial, formerly known as Klarpay, provides multi-currency accounts, payment services, and acceptance, serving both individuals and businesses. Since commencing operations, Bivial has remained consistently profitable, doubling its annual profit in 2024 compared to the previous year. It now serves nearly 500 corporate clients. Fiat24, operated by SR Saphirstein, is a global payment app leveraging blockchain technology to give clients access to a Swiss IBAN account in their name, a Visa debit card, foreign exchange (FX), and more; and Relio is a digital Swiss bank account for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Finally, Swiss4, once a digital banking startup with approximately 250 customers, is currently in liquidation. FINMA opened bankruptcy proceedings against the fintech institution on March 4, 2025, citing over-indebtedness and severe liquidity issues.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on images by jofreepik and creativeart via Freepik The post EY Releases New Licensing Guide for Swiss Finance Market Participants appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Mastercard, in collaboration with NCR Atleos and ITCARD, has launched a pilot in Poland enabling consumers to withdraw cash and access other ATM services using their mobile phones, without the need for a PIN. Traditionally, ATMs require users to insert or tap a card and enter a PIN before dispensing cash. The new system uses the Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Method (CDCVM), which verifies a cardholder’s identity through their mobile device. Users authenticate themselves on their phone before tapping at the ATM, eliminating the need for a physical card or PIN. Johan Gerber “By enabling biometric mobile authentication at ATMs, we are redefining the consumer experience, simplifying it without sacrificing security. Together with our partners, we are making everyday financial interactions safe and more intuitive for everyone,” said Johan Gerber, EVP, Head of Security Solutions, Mastercard. CDCVM aligns the verification process across devices, reducing friction and accelerating transactions. Initial testing by Mastercard in July found that contactless ATM transactions using CDCVM were on average over 20% faster than those requiring a PIN. Joe Gallagher, Senior Vice President, Products, NCR Atleos, said: Joe Gallagher “We are thrilled to introduce this innovation that enables consumers to complete contactless, PIN-less transactions securely and effortlessly. This marks a significant advancement in enhancing the convenience and speed of everyday transactions for financial institutions and their customers.” The CDCVM solution is currently being piloted in Poland and is expected to roll out across all markets in 2026.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik The post Poland Pilots PIN-less ATM Withdrawals via Mobile Phones appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

finpension has surpassed CHF 4 billion in client assets under management as of early September, marking a significant milestone for the independent Swiss fintech. The company recorded growth of 41% in the past 12 months. The client base has also expanded considerably, with around 43,000 individuals now using finpension’s services. This represents an increase of 74% compared with the same month last year. More than 5,000 clients are already using finpension Invest, the firm’s asset management solution launched in May 2024. Millennials accounted for the strongest growth, with over 11,000 new clients in the past year. Beat Bühlmann “Millennials grew up with digital tools. This generation does not want a conversation at the bank counter, nor do they tolerate a lack of transparency. They compare, calculate and research thoroughly, then choose the solution that fits them best,” said Founder and Initiator Beat Bühlmann. In the pensions sector, the third pillar remains the main driver of growth. Client assets in this area increased by 88% within a year, while vested benefits and 1e pension plans for senior employees also continued to grow. finpension operates independently, without banks or external financing. With its own pension foundations and a FINMA license as a securities firm with client account management, the company manages client portfolios directly. “Many people are looking for simple and fair pension and financial solutions. That is exactly what finpension offers, driven by digital innovation,” added Bühlmann.   Featured image credit: finpension The post finpension Surpasses CHF 4 Billion in Client Assets appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) may permit trading platforms licensed under Europe’s new MiCA framework to operate in American markets, Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham told UK lawmakers. Speaking before the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Blockchain Technologies in London, Pham said the CFTC is examining whether MiCA-authorised venues could qualify under its long-standing cross-border recognition rules. According to Finance Magnates, Pham stated: Caroline D. Pham “The CFTC will also explore whether trading platforms authorised under the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), or similar virtual asset or crypto asset regimes, would also qualify under the CFTC’s current cross-border frameworks.” The Acting CFTC Chair highlighted that many US crypto firms relocated abroad amid years of regulatory uncertainty, with some establishing trading venues in Europe under MiFID or preparing for MiCA authorisation. She suggested that Europe’s MiCA regulation could, for the first time, provide a gateway for access to US participants. “Because of the lack of US regulatory clarity and the enforcement-first approach of the past several years, many US firms established affiliates in non-US jurisdictions with clear regulations for crypto asset activities,” she explained. Pham also noted a “new beginning” of coordination between the SEC and CFTC. The two agencies plan to hold a joint roundtable later this month to discuss harmonising product definitions, data standards, and innovation exemptions. Her remarks follow the release of the Trump Administration’s digital asset roadmap, which calls for modernised banking rules, stronger stablecoin oversight, and new tools such as safe harbours and sandboxes. The CFTC has launched a “Crypto Sprint” to solicit public feedback on listed spot crypto trading, with comments due by October 20. Pham emphasised that regulation must remain “technology-neutral” and warned against repeating mistakes from the Dodd-Frank Act that created “regulatory moats and market fragmentation.” Through her role at the CFTC’s Global Markets Advisory Committee, Pham has advocated pragmatic cross-border rules, suggesting alignment with regimes like MiCA, which cover capital, custody, transparency, and retail protection, to prevent further fragmentation. US regulators have indicated openness towards cryptocurrency trading, with existing registered platforms reportedly capable of handling spot transactions under their oversight. In a joint statement, the SEC and CFTC encouraged platforms to approach them with questions, signalling a willingness to operate within current frameworks rather than await new legislation.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News America, based on image by wirestock via Freepik This article first appeared on Fintech News America The post CFTC Considers Allowing MiCA-Licensed Platforms to Operate in US appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Switzerland-based crypto platform SwissBorg announced on Monday (September 8) that it had lost around US$41 million worth of Solana (SOL) in a security breach. “This is a difficult day for SwissBorg,” a company spokesperson said in a video posted on X, adding that the breach did not involve the company’s app but rather a staking partner. According to The Block, a partner API was compromised, leading to an attack on its SOL Earn Programme. Online researcher ZachXBT reported that SwissBorg lost approximately 192,600 SOL (around US$41.3 million). SwissBorg stated it plans to use its SOL treasury to help users “recover a significant portion of their balance,” with final amounts to be confirmed soon. The company also said it had engaged “white-hat hackers and security partners to recover compromised funds with the goal of making all users whole.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by macrovector via Freepik The post SwissBorg Loses $41M in Solana in Major Security Breach appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Berlin-based wealthtech company NAO is bringing its co-investment model to the Netherlands this October. Through the NAO app, Dutch private investors will be able to access alternative investment opportunities with a minimum investment of one euro. These include private equity, private debt, venture capital, infrastructure, money market and hedge funds. The digital platform aims to make private market investments accessible in a way comparable to buying an ETF. Robin Binder “Dutch people are financially savvy and open to innovative investment solutions in new asset classes. There’s a distinct DIY mentality when it comes to investing,” said Robin Binder, Founder and Chief Executive of NAO. “Dutch investors are looking for transparent and cost-effective solutions and want to invest on their own terms. Meanwhile, however, alternative asset classes have previously been reserved for institutional investors and inaccessible to retail investors. We are directly addressing this market gap.” Financial assets per capita in the Netherlands exceeded €117,000 in 2023, 69% higher than the German level of €69,060. According to the Dutch central bank (DNB), Dutch households held over €600.5 billion in bank accounts, with €487.1 billion of this in savings accounts. This high level of savings is paired with a strong willingness to invest. Figures from the Dutch financial supervisory authority (AFM) show that one in four households invests in securities, amounting to €188.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025. However, three times as much capital remains in bank accounts as in investment portfolios. The invested capital is largely concentrated in traditional asset classes, while alternative investments such as private equity, venture capital and infrastructure remain mainly limited to institutional investors. Historically, these asset classes have provided attractive returns and been less volatile than shares. NAO first launched in Germany in June 2023 and expanded to Austria in August 2024. Thousands of users currently use the platform for long-term wealth building. The Netherlands marks the second step in NAO’s European expansion, with further markets planned.   Featured image credit: NAO The post NAO to Launch Alternative Investment Platform in the Netherlands appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Allasso, a Geneva-based fintech providing data-driven analytics through a single interface for financial market professionals, has raised US$3 million in its latest funding round, led by Fuel Ventures. The round, which included angel investors and follows earlier support from industry backers, represents a step forward in Allasso’s efforts to offer an alternative to legacy trading infrastructure, limited cloud adoption, and siloed systems. Its API-first, web-based interfaces, which include chat integration, are designed to support data science in trading. Co-founders Felix Euler, a veteran options trader, and Vadim Cissa, a data scientist, have over 30 years of combined experience in financial markets. Allasso was founded in response to their frustration with the limitations of existing trading technology. Its main product, Allasso Copilot, provides options analytics in a single interface, integrating backtesting, scenario analysis, idea generation, historical analysis, and risk management. By leveraging 20 years of historical data, Copilot aims to provide a comprehensive view of markets quickly and intuitively, helping traders save time and manage risk more effectively. The new funding will support Allasso’s commercial growth and its expansion into additional asset classes, including STIR and bond futures, ETFs, FX, single stocks, and crypto. Felix Euler, Co-founder of Allasso, said: Felix Euler “The trading industry has been held back for too long by fragmented and outdated systems. At Allasso, we want to change the game for financial markets professionals across the board and, among them, the next generation of data science-ready graduates who expect better trading tools. “From hedge funds and brokers to systematic trading firms and to other asset classes, Allasso’s trading tools give professionals the clarity they need to make more rational and risk-aware decisions.”   Featured image credit: Fuel Ventures The post Allasso Raises $3M to Expand Data-Driven Trading Platform appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Yuh, a finance app in Switzerland, has announced the appointment of Fin as its new Chief Executive Officer. Fin is an AI personality developed with ChatGPT and designed with tools such as Midjourney and HeyGen. Unlike traditional executives, Fin does not have a conventional career background but was created to make financial topics more accessible and to offer a fresh perspective on the industry. Markus Schwab, who has served as CEO of Yuh since 2021, formally introduced Fin today. Markus Schwab “Many companies risk becoming faceless through the use of AI,” Schwab said. “We see an opportunity to use it differently, by creating more personality. Appointing Fin as our AI CEO is a step towards exploring new ideas for our business.” Fin will remain part of Yuh’s communications going forward. He will share insights and perspectives through dedicated formats including Ask Fin on Instagram, Fin’s Money Glitches on TikTok, and Commando Mode on LinkedIn. With this initiative, Yuh becomes one of the first financial institutions in Switzerland to integrate an AI persona into its communications strategy, aiming to create dialogue rather than limit AI to automation.   Featured image credit: Yuh The post Yuh Appoints AI Persona Fin as Switzerland’s First AI CEO appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Swiss payment solutions provider Payrexx AG has established its first subsidiary, Payrexx Europe AG, in Liechtenstein to expand into the European Economic Area (EEA). The company aims to serve merchants in Germany, Austria, and other European countries after securing a European payment institution license (PI license). The subsidiary, founded in July in Vaduz, will be managed by Gerhard Häring and Helmut Bahamon. Both executives, previously based in Thun where Payrexx has operated for ten years, will oversee operations in Liechtenstein. Ivan Schmid “With Payrexx Europe AG, we want to develop the European market in a targeted manner, especially the neighboring regions such as Germany and Austria,” said Ivan Schmid, Managing Director of Payrexx AG. Securing a PI license remains the key step before operations can begin. Gerhard Häring “We are currently deep in a paperwork war,” said Häring. Payrexx has built a client base among Swiss SMEs over the past decade and offers merchants tools for online and in-person payments. The company sees Liechtenstein as a suitable base for expansion given its location, language, and regulatory framework. “With Liechtenstein, we get the best of both worlds,” Häring said. Häring, 62, has a background in IT and banking, with experience at international banks and consulting mandates. Bahamon, 35, was born in Moscow, raised in Spain, and lived in Munich, with prior experience in the automotive and banking sectors. Schmid, along with Michael Müller and Thomas Feldkircher, will sit on the Board of Directors of Payrexx Europe AG. Operations in Vaduz will focus on sales and marketing, while software development will remain in Switzerland.   Featured image credit: Payrexx The post Payrexx Establishes Liechtenstein Subsidiary for EEA Expansion appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Revolut has appointed Frédéric Oudéa, the former CEO of France’s Société Générale, as chairman of its Western Europe hub in Paris, as it prepares to apply for a banking license in the country. The hire highlights Revolut’s aggressive expansion and brings a heavyweight from France’s corporate establishment on board. A spokesperson for the challenger bank told Reuters that Oudéa, who also chairs pharmaceuticals giant Sanofi, adds credibility as the fast-growing firm seeks to scale its services. Revolut announced in May that it plans to invest €1 billion over the next three years to expand in France, opening a new office in Paris for its Western Europe operations. The company, founded less than a decade ago, has more than 60 million customers worldwide but no physical branches. It is currently conducting a share sale that values the business at us$75 billion, up from US$45 billion in August 2024. Revolut gained a banking license with restrictions in the UK in 2024, after a three-year process, and expects to start operating as a UK bank this year. It also holds a Lithuanian banking license, which can be used as a passport to operate across the European Union. A spokesperson previously told Reuters that obtaining a second EU banking license would allow Revolut to build closer relationships with regulators and offer services better tailored to its customers in France. The company is also reportedly considering acquiring a US lender to gain a license in the US, though a spokesperson declined to comment. Oudéa is not the first banking executive to move to a challenger bank. In August, German online bank N26 appointed former Bundesbank executive board member Andreas Dombret as chair of its supervisory board.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by lifeforstock via Freepik The post Revolut Appoints Former Société Générale CEO Frédéric Oudéa as Paris Hub Chairman appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.