At our SBF Members’ Event on November 18 in Zug, we enjoyed inspiring insights and lively discussions – made possible by the generous hospitality of Zuger Kantonalbank.

Event Highlights:

• Hanspeter Rhyner (CEO, Zuger Kantonalbank) opened the event and emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration for Switzerland’s financial center. Of particular note: Zuger Kantonalbank was the first Swiss cantonal bank to offer its clients trading and custody of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum directly via e-banking and mobile banking – a milestone in the Swiss banking market and widely recognized as a pioneer among banks.
• Lorenzo Barisone (City of Lugano) presented Lugano’s role as a pioneer in blockchain innovation in the public sector. With projects such as the LVGA token, the 3Achain blockchain infrastructure, and the new SwissLedger initiative, Lugano is setting a national example for digital financial solutions.
• Rolf H. Weber (Swiss Blockchain Federation / Bratschi Ltd.) summarized the publications developed by the SBF working groups and highlighted their central role as a key pillar of the Swiss Blockchain Federation.
• Hans Kuhn (Swiss Blockchain Federation / Lawside) presented the new 12-point program to strengthen Switzerland’s financial center – with concrete demands for innovation-friendly conditions, technological neutrality, transparent regulation, and better startup financing.
• Mauro Cappiello (Swiss Blockchain Federation / Blockchain Innovation Group AG) introduced the new Tax & CARF Working Group. The merging of tax and reporting expertise creates a strong platform for the challenges around CARF, CRS, and VAT. The goal is to prepare companies and users early for new international standards.

The event impressively demonstrated the importance of exchange between business, politics, and academia to further develop Switzerland as a leading blockchain location. We thank all participants, speakers, and especially Zuger Kantonalbank as well as Hanspeter Rhyner, Manuela Lindauer, and the team for their great support!