Why consider Switzerland?
FINMA’s activity-based guidance helps distinguish service models before choosing a structure. This is useful when comparing custody, exchange, payment-related services and technology provision.
Crypto services
The regulatory position depends on the activity. SRO membership is an AML-supervision route and must not be presented as equivalent to every FINMA authorisation.
PSP, fiat and payment services
Taking deposits, holding assets, processing payments and issuing instruments can lead to different requirements. Map the customer money flow and the role of each regulated party.
Company formation and operations
Assess the entity, local management and contractual responsibilities alongside the regulatory model. Existing permissions and provider arrangements need review in an acquisition.
Tax, incentives and the full cost
Compare federal, cantonal and municipal treatment with the actual location of operations and the owners’ position. A national headline figure does not describe every Swiss structure.
Compare three figures: setup cost, the cost to operate for a year, and the tax outcome for both company and owner. Any incentive should state its eligibility conditions and be confirmed for your facts before it is included in a proposal.
Banking and provider fit
Check whether the proposed provider accepts the asset types, custody design, customer markets and monitoring arrangements.