Trading in tokens is currently in the spotlight of the public’s and the regulator’s attention. Based on distributed ledgers-technology, blockchain technology is used to issue tokens as tradable digital units and to record ownership and transactions of the issued tokens. At present, there are no specific laws and little regulation applying to trading in tokens in Switzerland. With a view to improve market confidence as well as to ensure proper functioning and transparency of token trading, a variety of legal issues have yet to be resolved. In particular, the question of insider trading and market manipulation needs to be clarified.

By Thomas U. Reutter / Daniel Raun (Reference: CapLaw-2018-43)