SWISS
FINTECH
ALLIANCE
Pioneering innovation and navigating regulation in the Swiss fintech ecosystem while fostering collaboration and protecting the interests of licensed fintech companies in Switzerland.
About
The Swiss Fintech Alliance (SFA) is the leading organisation representing licensed Swiss fintech companies. As the voice of the ecosystem, we promote innovation, support market growth, and actively shape fintech regulation in Switzerland.
As of 1 June 2023, all licensed fintech companies in Switzerland (persons under Art. 1b of the Swiss Banking Act) are represented by the Swiss Fintech Alliance. In addition, most applicants for a fintech licence are advised and supported by our association through its crypto, finance, and legal experts.
The alliance plays a central role in the Swiss fintech ecosystem by fostering innovation, enabling collaboration, and strengthening Switzerland’s position as a global fintech hub.
Established in December 2022 on the initiative of
FinTechWerkstatt, the Swiss Fintech Alliance, supports founders and CEOs in Switzerland’s digital finance sector.
Our association represents the political and economic interests of Swiss-based digital start-ups. We advocate for these companies in Switzerland and internationally.
The Alliance focuses on companies and persons defined in Art. 1b of the Swiss Banking Act. Our mission is to strengthen innovation, support entrepreneurship, and promote the long-term growth of the ecosystem.
Switzerland is one of Europe’s leading fintech hubs. However, regulatory processes remain more complex than in other jurisdictions. Therefore, the Alliance works to improve framework conditions and ensure long-term competitiveness for fintech companies in Switzerland.
HISTORY
Mission
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 globally competitive.
We actively engage in projects promoting environmental protection and the integration of individuals and companies in disadvantaged situations. As a politically and confessionally neutral non-profit organisation, our primary goal is to advance disruptive finance.
Swiss Fintech Members
Driving Innovation Across Switzerland
The Alliance unites licensed fintech companies nationwide, showcasing the diversity, strength, and global relevance of Switzerland’s financial innovation ecosystem.
Swiss FinTech Alliance Member
YAPEAL provides fully digital banking services, including accounts, payments, and cards for B2B customers and startups.
Swiss FinTech Alliance Member
Bivial provides multi-currency IBAN accounts, global payment processing, and digital disbursement tools designed for international business operations.
Swiss FinTech Alliance Member
Relio delivers digital business accounts with Swiss IBANs, multi-currency wallets, and payment services tailored to complex SMEs and startups.
Switzerland remains one of Europe’s most important fintech hubs. However, maintaining competitiveness requires efficient regulation, strong collaboration, and continuous innovation across the financial sector.
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 intended to support innovation and provide a lean, competitive regulatory path for fintech companies. However, the opposite is currently happening. After more than six years, Switzerland has only four licensed fintechs under Article 1b.
By comparison, Lithuania supports its fintech industry through faster, more efficient regulatory processes.
Regulations
Impact
Application Process
First, the audit company reviews the application. This step takes 1–2 months and 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, although timelines can vary significantly. Under the existing law, FINMA has considerable latitude in its interpretation, leaving applicants in a legal grey area.
Financial Impact
However, while applicants wait for FINMA approval, they continue to incur high costs. The average monthly cash burn ranges from CHF 100,000 to CHF 200,000. Over 18 months, this depletes liquid assets by CHF 1,800,000 to CHF 3,600,000.
As a result, this is currently the most significant risk for fintech applicants. Total application costs often exceed CHF 500,000, and in many cases, the minimum required equity of CHF 300,000 is exhausted before a licence is granted.
Swiss Fintech Outlook
This autumn, the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) plans to hold a public hearing on a new regulatory framework for the fintech sector. We welcome this step. At the same time, the Swiss Fintech Alliance (SFA) and its members also have clear expectations.
FINMA Application Timelines:
Application 1
Application 2
We continue to monitor these applications and will provide updates as soon as more clarity becomes available.
Explanation of the FINMA application timeline
The timeline begins once the application has been submitted to FINMA, together with an audit report confirming that:
a) The application meets the requirements
b) There are no significant objections
Timelines
Fintech
Swiss fintech is transforming the financial industry by combining technology with innovative business models. In Switzerland, fintech companies are improving efficiency, expanding access to financial services, and driving economic growth. The Swiss Fintech Alliance represents licensed companies and strengthens the national fintech ecosystem.
Innovation in the Swiss financial technology sector continues to evolve, shaped by regulation, market demand, and technological progress. In particular, FINMA regulation plays a key role in licensing and market entry, creating both challenges and opportunities for companies operating in Switzerland.
Fintech startups contribute to new financial solutions, including digital banking, payments, and infrastructure. Together with organisations such as the Swiss Fintech Alliance and the Swiss Fintech Association, they help maintain Switzerland’s position as a global fintech hub.
