SWISS
FINTECH
ALLIANCE

Pioneering Innovation, Navigating Regulation, Fostering Collaboration and Protecting the Interests of Fintech Licensees based in Switzerland.

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About

As of 1 June 2023, all licensed fintechs in Switzerland (persons art. 1 b of the Swiss Banking Act) are represented by the Swiss Fintech Alliance (SFA) association. Also, most of the art. 1b applicants are advised and supported by our association with its crypto, finance and legal expert members. The alliance plays a crucial role in the Swiss financial technology industry, cultivating an environment for innovation and collaboration. As a cornerstone in the digital finance sector, we actively support and contribute to Switzerland’s growing financial innovation landscape.

Fintech Members Across Switzerland – Driving Innovation from All Regions

The Alliance brings together licensed Fintech firms from across the country, showcasing the diversity and strength of Switzerland’s financial innovation landscape.

Logo of YAPEAL, a Swiss Fintech Alliance member offering fully digital banking services, built on compliance and innovation for modern users.

Swiss FinTech Alliance Member

YAPEAL is a Swiss fintech offering fully digital banking services, including accounts, payments, and cards – tailored especially for B2B customers and startups.

Logo of Bivial AG, Swiss Fintech Alliance member focused on digital core banking, modular finance software, and fintech infrastructure solutions.

Swiss FinTech Alliance Member

Bivial is a Swiss fintech providing multi-currency IBAN accounts, global payment processing, and digital disbursement tools – built for international business needs.

Logo of Relio, a Swiss fintech startup and member of the Swiss Fintech Alliance, providing compliant digital business banking for SMEs and freelancers.

Swiss FinTech Alliance Member

Relio is a Swiss fintech delivering digital business accounts with Swiss IBANs, multi-currency wallets, and payment services – designed for complex SMEs and startups.

Established in December 2022 on the initiative of FinTechWerkstatt, the Swiss Fintech Alliance has been a beacon for founders and CEOs in Switzerland for over three years. Our association aims to protect the political and economic interests of Swiss-based digital start-ups, both locally and internationally. We focus mainly on persons entitled under Art. 1 b of the Swiss Banking Act, reinforcing our commitment to fostering the growth of Switzerland’s digital finance ecosystem.

HISTORY

Purpose

The Swiss Fintech Alliance encourages innovation and knowledge, particularly in new technologies and the rapidly changing regulatory environment. Through collaboration among tech-driven finance companies, regulatory authorities, and political representatives, we strive to keep Swiss fintech competitive globally. We actively engage in projects promoting environmental protection and the integration of individuals and companies in disadvantageous situations. As a politically and confessionally neutral non-profit organisation, our primary goal is the advancement of disruptive finance.

The application duration counter below shows the impact of the Federal Council's slow action in a fast-paced industry. It also highlights the slow review processes at the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). These delays affect applications submitted under Article 1b of the Swiss Banking Act. The legal framework is meant to support innovation. It should also provide a leaner and competitive regulatory path for fintech companies. Right now, the opposite is happening. After more than 6 years, Switzerland has only four licensed fintechs under Article 1b. Here is how Lithuania supports its fintech industry.

What this means for fintech applicants

First, the audit company reviews the application. This step takes 1–2 months. It costs around CHF 35,000. The result is an audit report of roughly 60 pages.

Next, FINMA reviews the application. This step currently takes an average of 18 months. The timeline can vary significantly. Under the existing law, FINMA has considerable latitude for interpretation. This leaves applicants in a legal grey area.

While applicants wait for FINMA approval, they keep spending. The average monthly cash burn is CHF 100,000 to CHF 200,000. Over 18 months, this depletes liquid assets by CHF 1,800,000 to CHF 3,600,000. This is currently the most significant risk for any fintech applicant. It also pushes application costs beyond CHF 500,000. In many cases, the minimum required equity of CHF 300,000 is used up before a licence is granted.

This autumn, the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) plans to hold a public hearing. The hearing will cover its proposal for a new regulatory framework for our industry. We welcome this step. The Swiss Fintech Alliance (SFA) and its members also have clear expectations.

LAUNCH PAD

Illustration of a rocket launch symbolising the Swiss Fintech Alliance's support for Swiss fintech startups, FINMA-compliant innovation, and founders like Michael Brüggler.

Current applications and their review period at FINMA to date:

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We continue to monitor the status of these cases and will provide updates as soon as more clarity becomes available.

Explanation re the application FINMA duration timer:
The processing period begins after the application has been submitted to FINMA with an application audit report confirming that:
a.) the application meets the requirements,
b.) there are no significant objections

Fintech

An innovative and cutting-edge fusion of finance and technology spearheads a remarkable revolution in global economies. With its transformative capabilities, Fintech is reshaping financial landscapes, enhancing efficiency, and empowering individuals and businesses. Embracing this groundbreaking phenomenon opens limitless possibilities, driving economic growth and fostering financial inclusion. In this evolving era, harnessing the potential of technology in finance thus becomes a profound imperative, enabling us to promote a sustainable and inclusive global financial ecosystem ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

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For Innovation.
For Sovereignty.
For Switzerland.

The Swiss Fintech Alliance (SFA) is not just a network – we are the voice for Switzerland’s sovereign, liberal economic policy.

We represent licensed fintech, financial innovators, and industry experts. Our mission is to defend Switzerland’s freedom to regulate independently, resist overregulation, and stay globally competitive.

We stand for:
  • Economic freedom and innovation in finance
  • Smart, sovereign regulation – not automatic alignment with the EU
  • Political engagement, lobbying, and public awareness
  • Strong presence in media and consultations

Switzerland thrives when it thinks and acts independently.

Support us – and help shape the future.

Swiss Fintech Alliance (SFA), Via Redondello 24, 6982 Agno

CH60 8080 8008 5202 3487 5
IID (BC-Nr.): 80808 SWIFT-BIC: RAIFCH22