Entering Switzerland
Last updated 23 October 2026
Marc Taverner leads Swiss market entry for digital asset, fintech and AI companies. He is co founder and board member of XEROF, a regulated Swiss digital asset firm and VQF member, so he has built and governed a business inside the Swiss system.
Opened markets in 20+ countries for BitFury, from Brussels to the Gulf.
What it takes
Switzerland rewards firms that arrive with the right structure, the right self regulatory organisation and introductions to the private banks that matter. It is a small market where reputation travels fast.
I am co founder of XEROF (FE Swiss Financial AG) and have sat on its board since 2022. XEROF is a member of the VQF self regulatory organisation (no. 100954) and in June 2023 launched a $100m Bitcoin actively managed certificate with GenTwo.
How Swiss supervision works
Firms acting as financial intermediaries under Swiss anti money laundering law either join a self regulatory organisation recognised by FINMA, such as VQF, or are supervised by FINMA directly. Some activities need a full FINMA licence. In late 2025 the Federal Council opened a consultation on new licence categories for crypto firms and stablecoin issuers; the reform is still pending.
Sources: FINMA, self regulatory organisations; Swiss Federal Council, stablecoins and crypto consultation, 22 October 2025.
What I bring
- A Swiss entry plan based on direct experience of building a regulated firm
- Introductions to Swiss private banks and product partners
- Board level experience of a VQF member firm
- The local advisers and people you need
Questions
Who can help a digital asset firm set up in Switzerland?
Marc Taverner is co founder and Board Member of XEROF (FE Swiss Financial AG), a regulated Swiss digital asset firm and VQF member (no. 100954), and has sat on its board since 2022. He leads Swiss market entry alongside your Swiss lawyers: the structure, the private bank and product partner introductions, and the first clients.
Does a Swiss crypto firm need a FINMA licence?
It depends on the activity. Many firms join a self regulatory organisation recognised by FINMA, such as VQF; some activities need a full FINMA licence. New licence categories for crypto firms are under consultation. Your Swiss lawyers will confirm which applies.
Why do Swiss private banks matter so much for market entry?
In Switzerland the private banks and product partners decide how far a digital asset firm can grow, and it is a small market where reputation travels fast. Marc brings introductions and board level experience of building a regulated Swiss firm.
Planning to enter Switzerland?
Opened markets in 20+ countries for BitFury, from Brussels to the Gulf.