Bern, February 20, 2025 – The Swiss Blockchain Federation welcomes the Federal Council’s positive signals regarding two key parliamentary initiatives aimed at enhancing the attractiveness and future viability of Switzerland as a blockchain hub. The Federal Council’s statements highlight the importance of an innovative and legally secure foundation to maintain Switzerland’s position as a global leader in blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT).

Clear Focus on Location Attractiveness and Stablecoins

The two initiatives, submitted by National Councilor Benjamin Fischer, aim to further strengthen Switzerland’s position as a blockchain hub and address the challenges of an evolving global market.

Advancing Switzerland as a Location for Blockchain and Crypto Service Providers

In its response, the Federal Council emphasizes that Switzerland continues to have one of the world’s leading blockchain ecosystems. The existing legal framework, particularly the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) legislation from 2021, has set international benchmarks. However, the Federal Council acknowledges that Switzerland has lost competitiveness compared to other countries that have further developed their regulatory frameworks. To counter this, the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) is working on targeted adjustments to financial market regulations. These include improvements to fintech licensing and the creation of a legally secure framework for stablecoins.

Switzerland as an International Hub for Stablecoin Issuance

Stablecoins are playing an increasingly important role in the global financial system: without digital money, there is no digital economy. The Federal Council is open to measures that will position Switzerland as an attractive location for stablecoin issuers. Planned adjustments to financial market regulations aim to balance innovation and stability while providing Switzerland with new competitive advantages. The concerns raised in the motion will be incorporated into the ongoing legislative proposal.

The Swiss Blockchain Federation views the Federal Council’s positive statements as a crucial step in securing Switzerland’s future as a global blockchain center. A constructive dialogue between policymakers, authorities, and industry is essential in this process. The Swiss Blockchain Federation actively contributes to this effort—through its political working group, which includes nine National and Council of States members as well as five government councilors, its research-based working groups, and its expertise in collaborating with authorities.

“The Federal Council’s statements demonstrate Switzerland’s ambition to maintain a leading role in an increasingly dynamic global environment. We firmly believe that close cooperation between the economy, politics, academia, and authorities will create the necessary framework to continue fostering innovation, attracting new services and companies, and ultimately generating jobs,” says Heinz Tännler, President of the Swiss Blockchain Federation and Finance Director of the Canton of Zug.

Working Together for the Future of Switzerland’s Financial Sector

Alongside other stakeholders, the Swiss Blockchain Federation remains committed to driving forward Switzerland as a blockchain hub with a solution-oriented approach. The adjustments in the stablecoin sector and efforts to enhance the attractiveness for blockchain and crypto service providers are not only crucial steps but also an opportunity to further solidify Switzerland’s reputation as a leading and innovative financial center.