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.

JPMorgan Chase will launch its Chase digital retail bank in Germany in the second quarter of next year, marking a bold move into the crowded banking market of Europe’s largest economy. The US banking giant has been preparing the launch in recent years through extensive hiring, but had kept the timing under wraps, Reuters reported. Germany will be Chase’s second European market, following its launch in Britain in 2021. JPMorgan is already one of the largest banks in Germany, attracted by its wealthy customer base, stable regulatory environment, and vibrant fintech sector. However, the country presents challenges due to a fragmented banking landscape, with analysts noting that the retail market is highly competitive and margins are thin. Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest lender, has been seeking to make its retail division more profitable by reducing staff and closing branches. Other institutions, such as Spain’s Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, have already launched digital banks in Germany, while ING and N26 are among the major online banks long operating in the country. The Chase bank will be headquartered in Berlin and will initially offer savings accounts before expanding its product range. “This marks a significant expansion of JPMorgan Chase’s footprint in the country, building on over a century of serving clients and communities there,” JPMorgan said.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by artbutenkov via Freepik The post JPMorgan Chase to Launch Digital Retail Bank in Germany appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

New research has indicated that the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy has only a limited effect on stablecoin lending rates, according to a conference at Warwick Business School. Presenting at Warwick Business School’s Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology Academic Conference on DeFi and Digital Currencies, Andrea Barbon of the University of St. Gallen analysed 2.5 million transactions of US dollar-backed stablecoins on the DeFi platform Aave. The conference, held at WBS London in The Shard, was attended by representatives from the European Central Bank, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), Banque de France, and leading fintech academics worldwide. Researchers highlighted the growing popularity of stablecoins and Donald Trump’s new Genius Act, which regulates cryptocurrency, arguing that central banks should monitor their influence more closely. Stablecoins currently have a market capitalisation of around US$250 billion, but Professor Barbon said the Fed’s impact on their interest rates remains limited. Andrea Barbon “Interest rates for stablecoins are very volatile,” Professor Barbon explained. “Despite being pegged to the US dollar, stablecoins operate in a way that largely resists the traditional controls of the Federal Reserve. US monetary policy does influence stablecoin rates, but its effect is minimal, explaining only a limited portion of their variation. The majority of the volatility is driven by factors specific to the crypto ecosystem, particularly demand-driven shocks related to the desire for leverage to invest in other crypto assets like Bitcoin.” The research also found that stablecoins respond to changes in the Fed’s interest rates only after a delay of several days, sometimes up to a week. “This is an immature market with rates primarily driven by the volatile demand for leverage within the crypto ecosystem, which is not directly tied to traditional monetary policy,” Professor Barbon said. “As stablecoins grow and with the new Genius Act, central banks will need to have more oversight of the stablecoin market and its influence.” Other research presented at the conference included studies on cryptocurrency price bubbles by Maarten van Oordt of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, cross-border flows of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins by the BIS, blockchain technology developments from the University of Bonn, Carnegie Mellon University, and George Mason University, as well as work on credit cycles in tokenised real estate markets by Daniel Ruf of the University of Cambridge, and liquid staking on Ethereum by Christine Parlour of Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley. Ram Gopal, Director of the Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology, said: Ram Gopal “This conference has highlighted the complex and evolving dynamics where traditional finance meets the decentralised world of fintech. The research presented here, particularly on the limited influence of central banks on stablecoin rates, demonstrates how our work at the Gillmore Centre contributes to the wider discussion on financial stability, policy, and innovation.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by freepik The post US Fed Has Limited Impact on Stablecoin Lending Rates appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Swift, the Belgium-based provider of secure financial messaging services, has appointed Thomas Delaet as its Chief Product Officer. Delaet joins Swift from McKinsey & Company, where he spent 14 years advising financial institutions on technology transformation and innovation. At Swift, he will lead the product group, focusing on developing services that enable a seamless experience for Swift’s community through new data, technology solutions, and emerging digital assets. He brings extensive experience in the financial sector, working with banks and market infrastructure providers on payments, digital transformations, and technology initiatives. His expertise covers transforming operating models, architecture and cloud systems, as well as software engineering transformation for mission-critical infrastructure. Thomas Delaet said: Thomas Delaet “I’m excited to be joining Swift at such a pivotal moment for the industry. I look forward to working with our teams and customers to deliver products and meaningful innovation that enable the industry to continue to rely on Swift for secure and seamless cross-border finance.”       Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by lifeforstock via Freepik The post Swift Appoints Thomas Delaet as Chief Product Officer appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Pure-play digital asset manager Bitwise has listed five of its flagship crypto ETPs on the SIX Swiss Exchange this week. The listings provide investors with additional options to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency market, including staking and index ETPs. Bitwise’s range of crypto ETPs consists of financial instruments designed to integrate with traditional portfolios, offering exposure to digital assets as an asset class. In August 2025, Bitwise reported that client assets across its 40 investment products had surpassed US$15 billion, a 200% increase since October 2024. Switzerland remains a key market for Bitwise in Europe, serving both retail and professional investors. The country has historically been an early adopter of digital assets, both in terms of market development and regulation. Across Europe, more jurisdictions are expanding access to exchange-traded crypto products. In the UK, regulators are expected to relax retail access to crypto ETPs from October 8 2025, while French authorities are reviewing similar measures. Ronald Richter, Regional Director of Investment Strategy at Bitwise Europe, said: Ronald Richter “The five flagship products we have listed in Switzerland will broaden options for investors looking to benefit from the full potential of crypto markets. Europe is rapidly opening up for digital assets, and Switzerland is a leading and crucial market at the heart of the continent. I’m extremely pleased that we’re developing our product suite on the widely respected SIX exchange, with new options such as staking and index products.” The newly listed ETPs on the SIX Swiss Exchange are: Bitwise Core Bitcoin ETP (BTC1, ISIN: DE000A4AER62) A cost-efficient Bitcoin ETP with a total expense ratio (TER) of 0.20% per annum, suitable for long-term investors. The NAV is calculated three times daily, using primary market liquidity from Hong Kong, the EU, and the United States, providing an extended liquidity window for institutional investors. Bitwise Ethereum Staking ETP (ET32, ISIN: DE000A3G90G9) An institutional-grade vehicle designed to leverage ETH staking. ET32 has experienced consistent net inflows this year while maintaining competitive bid-ask spreads, and targets a low total cost of ownership among ETH staking ETPs. Bitwise Solana Staking ETP (BSOL, ISIN: DE000A4A59D2) An institutional-grade, fully backed ETP providing exposure to staked Solana. BSOL is benchmarked against the Compass Solana Total Return Monthly Index, offering transparency in performance and valuation of SOL staking rewards. Bitwise MSCI Digital Assets Select 20 ETP (DA20, ISIN: DE000A3G3ZL3) DA20 seeks to track the performance of the MSCI Global Digital Assets Select Top 20 Capped Index, after fees and expenses. Managed by MSCI and rebalanced quarterly, the index covers the 20 leading investable cryptocurrencies, representing more than 90% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalisation. Bitwise Physical XRP ETP (GXRP, ISIN: DE000A3GYNB0) This ETP tracks XRP, the world’s fifth-largest crypto asset with a market capitalisation exceeding US$80 billion. Ripple, the network behind XRP, has seen growing adoption for applications such as cross-border remittances, institutional DeFi, and real-world tokenisation. Source: Bitwise Source: Bitwise Bitwise ETPs allow investors to gain exposure to digital assets without the need for a cryptocurrency wallet. They trade on regulated exchanges like traditional stocks or ETFs and can be incorporated into standard brokerage or ETF portfolios. Each ETP is fully backed by the underlying digital asset, which is held in institutional-grade cold storage. Similar to precious metal ETCs, Bitwise crypto ETPs feature a physical redemption mechanism. Investor protection is further strengthened through the involvement of an independent trustee and administrator, ensuring that the assets are held off the issuer’s balance sheet and reducing issuer-default risk. Featured image credit: SIX The post Bitwise Lists 5 Crypto ETPs on SIX Swiss Exchange appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Boerse Stuttgart Group is developing the infrastructure for the future of the digital capital market with Seturion, a pan-European, blockchain-based platform designed to enable faster and more cost-efficient settlement of tokenised assets across national borders. Seturion is accessible to all market participants in Europe, including banks, brokers, trading venues, both traditional and digital, and tokenisation platforms. Its open architecture and modular design allow straightforward integration. The platform represents the first pan-European solution aimed at reducing cross-border barriers and addressing fragmentation in the settlement landscape, which currently limits the integration of European capital markets. The platform is intended to make settlement of transactions across asset classes faster and more cost-effective. Its modular design supports tokenised assets on both public and private blockchains, as well as cash settlement using central bank money and on-chain cash. The Seturion settlement solution is already in use by BX Digital, a FINMA-regulated DLT trading facility in Switzerland, and was successfully tested in 2024 during the ECB blockchain trials involving leading European banks. All trading venues across Europe can connect to Seturion, enabling the trading of tokenised assets without the need for their own DLT license. Banks and brokers can continue to use existing connections to trading venues. Boerse Stuttgart Group’s own trading venues will act as initial clients, with additional partners expected to join. Dr. Matthias Voelkel, CEO of Boerse Stuttgart Group, said: Dr Matthias Voelkel “Seturion is the first digital pan-European settlement platform for tokenised assets. With a truly open architecture, we want to overcome current national settlement infrastructure silos and turn a unified European capital market into reality. So we designed Seturion as an industry solution: It is open to all market participants and we are looking forward to building and scaling Seturion together with them.” Subject to supervisory approval, the Seturion leadership team will be headed by Dr. Lidia Kurt (CEO), alongside Sven Wilke (Deputy CEO and CGO), Dirk Kruwinnus (CPO), and Samuel Bisig (CTO), all experienced in tokenised assets. Lucas Bruggeman, Boerse Stuttgart Group’s Chief Digital Assets Officer, is designated Chairman of the Board of Directors of Seturion, also subject to supervisory approval. Boerse Stuttgart Group has submitted a license application to BaFin under the DLT Pilot Regime. Dr. Lidia Kurt said: Dr Lidia Kurt “With Seturion, market participants across Europe can tap into new business opportunities around tokenised assets. Our partners benefit from significant cost savings in settlement of up to 90%. We have been building our unique infrastructure for several years. With Seturion, we are now leveraging this infrastructure to scale across Europe.”   Featured image credit: Boerse Stuttgart Group The post Boerse Stuttgart Group Launches Pan-European Blockchain Settlement Platform appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

ebankIT, a digital banking platform provider based in Portugal, has acquired SecuritySide, a cybersecurity company with expertise in securing financial institutions across multiple domains. The acquisition is intended to strengthen ebankIT’s platform security and enhance its capacity to provide secure digital banking services. Through the integration with SecuritySide, ebankIT aims to reinforce key security areas, including enhanced authentication and identity protection with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) via TrustFactor, as well as mobile and application security through the Mobile Protection Suite (MPS). MPS is designed to defend mobile applications against tampering, malware, reverse engineering, and other advanced threats. SecuritySide is recognised for its secure development practices, grounded in security-by-design principles. The company offers services such as cloud consulting, DevSecOps consulting, penetration testing, and retesting to validate remediation efforts. Detailed, actionable reports are also provided, supporting organisations in identifying risks, addressing vulnerabilities, and maintaining regulatory compliance. With SecuritySide joining ebankIT, the platform’s approach to security is positioned as a central aspect of its digital banking solutions. The two companies share a vision of proactive, integrated security, designed to help financial institutions manage evolving threats while meeting regulatory requirements. Renato Oliveira “Security has always been fundamental to ebankIT’s vision of digital banking. By joining forces with SecuritySide, we are expanding our capabilities, and we’re reshaping what it means to be secure in a digital-first financial world,” said Renato Oliveira, CEO at ebankIT. “This acquisition allows us to deliver trust at every level, from the core to the edge, ensuring that our customers remain ahead of threats while accelerating innovation.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by Markus Spiske via Unsplash The post ebankIT Acquires SecuritySide to Enhance Cybersecurity for Digital Banking appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Inventx has entered into a strategic partnership with 3ap to accelerate digitalisation in the Swiss health insurance sector. The collaboration combines Inventx’s role as an operator of critical IT infrastructure and managed services provider with 3ap’s expertise in agile product development. The aim is to deliver modern, easily integrable solutions that improve operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience. The partnership focuses on jointly developing applications for insurers and integrating them into existing system landscapes and sales processes. Particular emphasis is placed on customer journeys and the use of modern technologies, based on a decoupled IT architecture. Inventx contributes its long-standing experience in managed services for the health insurance sector, ensuring stability, security, and scalability. 3ap complements this with user-centred product development and a co-creation approach. An initial outcome of the collaboration is a digital service enabling premium calculations, quote requests, and online policy sign-ups for both customers and advisers. An integration layer connects existing systems in an automated and consistent way, increasing efficiency and improving conversion rates. The partnership also involves engagement with the Swiss health insurance community through joint projects and innovation formats, aiming to strengthen digital capabilities across the sector. Emanuele Diquattro, CEO of Inventx, said: Emanuele Diquattro “With 3ap we have found a partner that shares our vision of an open, innovation-driven ecosystem. Together we are enabling insurers to use new front-end technologies productively and securely. This collaboration is a good example of how we can apply the benefits of a decoupled architecture for our clients.” Aleksandar Milosevic, CEO of 3ap, added: Aleksandar Milosevic “Our solutions are designed to address challenges end-to-end quickly and sustainably. With Inventx we can provide these solutions locally, securely, and at scale, helping insurers bring innovations in data and customer experience to market faster, while ensuring trust, data control, and performance.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by Freepik The post Inventx and 3ap Partner to Advance Digitalisation in Swiss Health Insurance appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.