On 26 August 2019, the Swiss financial regulator FINMA granted full banking and securities dealer licenses to two new financial institutions focusing on services in the area of crypto currencies and other digital assets. At the same time, FINMA issued new guidance on its interpretation of Swiss anti-money laundering regulation in respect of digital token transfers. The practice adopted by FINMA is very strict, especially in the light of international standards, and will challenge regulated financial services providers, new and old alike, intending to offer services regarding digital assets.

By Daniel Flühmann / Rashid Bahar (Reference: CapLaw-2019-42)