From research to a working plan.
Regulation and authorities
FINMA assesses the activities and risks of a financial service. Before launching, identify whether the firm receives customer assets, operates payment transfers, trades securities or provides custody. These facts determine the authorisation and anti-money-laundering analysis. Map every service separately when a product combines a wallet, exchange and investment function.
Exchanges and provider checks
Check the precise legal entity and the capacity in which it operates. FINMA distinguishes authorisation from membership of a self-regulatory organisation for anti-money-laundering purposes. For a custody provider, ask how client assets are held and what claim the customer would have if the provider failed. Record the regulator entry alongside the provider’s terms.
Taxes and records
The Federal Tax Administration distinguishes private payment-token investment from self-employed trading based on the facts, scope and financing of transactions. Mining compensation is taxable income. Staking-pool compensation generally constitutes income from movable assets. Keep acquisition and disposal records and Swiss-franc values for receipts, then check the applicable cantonal reporting requirements.
Starting a business
A FinTech licence permits specified deposit and cryptoasset activities within its conditions. The institution must have its registered office and conduct its business in Switzerland. FINMA allows prospective applicants to present their project before applying. Prepare an activity description, custody flow and financial plan before selecting a licence route.
Banking and payments
FINMA’s FinTech information points to Swiss banking-sector guidance on opening accounts for blockchain companies. Build an account-opening file that describes ownership, source of funds and the exact use of each account. Confirm separately whether the proposed bank relationship covers operating expenses, customer funds or both, and document the provider’s answer.
Related coverage
Country-specific reporting will appear here as it is published. Explore the jurisdiction’s official updates in the sources above.
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