a 12-point manifesto for the future of the financial sector

The Swiss Blockchain Federation, the Crypto Valley Association, and the Bitcoin Association Switzerland have jointly published a strategic manifesto aimed at consolidating and strengthening Switzerland’s role as a global hub for blockchain and financial innovation. 

The document, structured in a 12-point program, analyzes in depth the current situation, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the Swiss financial center, and proposes concrete recommendations addressed to politicians, regulatory authorities, and sector players.

Switzerland: a future-oriented strategy for crypto and blockchain technology

In recent years, Switzerland has stood out internationally for its openness towards blockchain technologies, thanks to a progressive regulatory framework, collaboration between public and private institutions, and a favorable attitude towards innovation by the authorities. However, this competitive advantage risks being eroded.

Rapidly rising countries such as those in Asia and the Middle East are increasingly attracting companies in the sector thanks to highly favorable regulatory and operational conditions. In parallel, the clear political shift under the Trump administration has sent a warning signal for Europe and Switzerland in particular. Added to this are slow decision-making processes, regulatory uncertainties, and new international pressures that represent significant obstacles for the sector.

To tackle these challenges, the three organizations promoting the manifesto propose a coordinated and forward-looking approach, aimed at ensuring that Switzerland remains a point of reference for technological innovation and economic competitiveness.

The 12 proposals for a stronger blockchain ecosystem

The manifesto presents twelve concrete recommendations, designed to strengthen Switzerland’s position as a global leader in the blockchain and fintech sector. Each point has been conceived to address a specific need of the sector, with the aim of creating a more dynamic, transparent, and competitive environment.

1. Strengthen regulatory frameworks favorable to innovation

The FINMA, the Swiss financial supervisory authority, should redefine innovation as a strategic objective and provide regular updates on the progress made in this area.

2. Technologically neutral and proportionate regulation

The regulations for crypto service providers and stablecoin must be clear, competitive, and adequately differentiated to promote the growth of the sector.

3. Binding timelines for FINMA authorizations

The authorization processes must follow a clear and predictable structure, with a maximum term of six months for the completion of the procedures.

4. Promote digital currency

Stablecoin and central bank digital currencies (CBDC) should form the foundation for a modern and secure digital economy.

5. Use technology for compliance

The use of innovative technologies can make compliance processes more efficient and less burdensome, reducing costs for businesses.

6. Strengthen self-regulation

The organizzazioni di autoregolamentazione (SRO) should enjoy greater autonomy and flexibility to quickly adapt to market changes.

7. More transparent supervisory practices

The FINMA is invited to strengthen the dialogue with the industry and to make its operations more transparent, to increase the trust of the operators.

8. Remove the technical barriers to investments

It is necessary to identify and reduce the obstacles that limit foreign investments, promoting easier access to the Swiss market.

9. Clarify ambiguous regulations

The unclear regulations must be reviewed through a constructive dialogue between authorities and industry, to ensure greater legal certainty.

10. Critically evaluate international standards

The adoption of international standards in Swiss law must be carefully evaluated to ensure that it reflects the interessi nazionali.

11. Encourage industry initiative

The private sector must take an active role in the development of standard di settore and in resolving existing issues.

12. Improving financing for start-ups and SMEs

It is necessary to expand public support programs and incentivi fiscali to facilitate access to capital for start-ups and piccole e medie imprese.

An initiative open to collaboration

The manifesto represents an open invitation to all organizations interested in actively participating in strengthening Switzerland as a center of excellence for blockchain. The three promoting associations commit to regularly monitoring the implementation of the proposed measures and adapting them based on the evolution of the economic and regulatory context.

Founded in 2018, the Swiss Blockchain Federation is a public-private partnership that promotes legal certainty and optimal framework conditions for blockchain-based applications and business models. Among its approximately 80 members are the cantons of Ticino, Zugo, Neuchâtel, and Zurigo.

Together with the Crypto Valley Association and the Bitcoin Association Switzerland, the federation aims to ensure Switzerland a sustainable leadership position in the global blockchain landscape.