Members of the Swiss Council of States and National Council immersed themselves in the world of cryptocurrencies during a hands-on event in Bern. Organized by the Swiss Blockchain Federation and its political group, the interactive session offered an introduction to Bitcoin, crypto wallets, and compliance, highlighting why these topics are of strategic importance to Switzerland.

Progress Stalls as Other Nations Race Ahead

In recent years, political advancements in the blockchain sector have largely stagnated in Switzerland. Despite the promising foundation laid in 2021 with the introduction of the DLT Act, Switzerland risks falling behind. Other nations have recognized the potential of crypto-assets and blockchain technology, driving ambitious strategies forward. Switzerland has lost significant momentum, a trend reflected in the Crypto Adoption Index by Henley & Partners: while Switzerland ranked second globally in 2023, it fell to 11th place in 2024.

This development underscores the importance of raising awareness among political decision-makers about these technologies and their relevance. To this end, the Swiss Blockchain Federation and its political group organized the session with two renowned blockchain experts.

Understanding and Experiencing Crypto

The event went beyond theoretical explanations, giving participants a chance to experience the world of cryptocurrencies firsthand. Experts demonstrated real-world use cases, showing how investments in Bitcoin and similar assets work. At the same time, they discussed the regulatory frameworks necessary for Switzerland’s success as a crypto hub.

Bitcoin and Its Future: “Don’t Stifle Innovation”

Rino Borini, a renowned entrepreneur, expert in digital finance, fintech, and digital assets (particularly Bitcoin), and advisor to several Swiss banks, opened the event with an impressive introduction to the importance of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. He emphasized that crypto is no longer a vision of the future but a reality—and that Switzerland must act now to remain globally competitive. Discussions on a national stablecoin sparked particular interest: while other countries are advancing in this area, Switzerland lags behind.

Behind the Scenes of Blockchain Technology

In an interactive hands-on session, Rino Borini demonstrated how to set up a crypto wallet on a smartphone and purchase Bitcoin with just a few clicks. Magdalena Boškić, Head of RegTech and Crypto Compliance Services at Swiss crypto bank Sygnum, delved deeper into the topic. She explained how blockchain transactions work and demonstrated live how illegal activities can be transparently traced. The conclusion: cryptocurrencies are poorly suited for money laundering due to their unparalleled traceability.

Crypto in Focus: Dialogue and Knowledge Sharing Are Key

The event provided participants not only with valuable knowledge but also with the opportunity to discuss questions and concerns directly with experts. The exchange highlighted the importance of integrating digital assets and their potential into Switzerland’s political agenda. The message was well received: it remains crucial to showcase the opportunities and challenges of blockchain and cryptocurrencies and to inspire Swiss policymakers to engage with these topics.