Quick Facts
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| License name | FINMA Banking License (Crypto) |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Regulator | FINMA |
| What it covers | Full banking license for crypto operators |
| Minimum capital | CHF 10,000,000 |
| Timeline | 12–18 months |
What is the FINMA Banking License (Crypto)?
The FINMA Banking License (Crypto) is a regulator authorisation issued by FINMA that allows a regulated entity in Switzerland to provide the services covered by the regime. Heaviest tier — equivalent to SEBA / Sygnum class.
Who needs a FINMA Banking License (Crypto)?
Operators offering services that fall within the activity definition supervised by FINMA. The activity scope captures full banking license for crypto operators — and you should treat anything within or adjacent to that scope as caught until the structure has been opined on.
How the FINMA Banking License (Crypto) application works
The application is run as a structured five-stage workstream: scoping and gap analysis, incorporation and substance, AML/KYC programme drafting, regulator submission and RFI cycles, and post-licence onboarding. Total time from kickoff to authorisation is 12–18 months.
Cost of the FINMA Banking License (Crypto)
The total first-year cost combines: regulator fee, statutory capital tied up at CHF 10,000,000, legal fees confirmed at engagement, substance (resident director, office, AML officer where required), and the first year of ongoing supervision. We provide a fixed-scope quote at engagement so the number is not a moving target.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Mismatched substance. Paper directors and serviced offices are detected at first examination. Substance must be substantive;
- Generic AML programmes. FINMA reads policies as a competency signal — generic templates are visible;
- Banking afterthoughts. A licence without a bank account is a paperweight. Banking is part of the engagement, not bolted on after authorisation;
- Ignoring the year-one supervision burden. Authorisation is the start. Annual audit, AML refresh and material-change notifications are calendared from day one.
Frequently asked questions
What does the FINMA Banking License (Crypto) cover?
The FINMA Banking License (Crypto) authorises full banking license for crypto operators. It is supervised by FINMA. Heaviest tier — equivalent to SEBA / Sygnum class.
What is the timeline for the FINMA Banking License (Crypto)?
Typical timeline is 12–18 months from kickoff to authorisation. Variance comes from RFI cycles and the quality of the application file at submission, not from the published schedule.
What is the minimum capital for the FINMA Banking License (Crypto)?
Statutory capital is CHF 10,000,000. Capital is one input — substance, governance and the AML programme usually drive the application outcome more than the capital line on its own.
How does the FINMA Banking License (Crypto) fit alongside other Switzerland licences?
Most operating models in Switzerland combine FINMA Banking License (Crypto) with one of the other available regimes — see the full list on the Switzerland page.
Who supervises FINMA Banking License (Crypto) authorisation in Switzerland?
FINMA is the supervising authority. The same regulator handles ongoing supervision after authorisation, including annual returns and material-change notifications.