Three Leading Organizations Launch Manifesto for Greater Innovation and Competitiveness
Bern, May 6, 2025 – The Swiss Blockchain Federation, the Crypto Valley Association, and the Bitcoin Association Switzerland have jointly published a manifesto presenting a comprehensive 12-point program to strengthen Switzerland’s position as a global blockchain hub. The document thoroughly analyzes the current situation, highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the Swiss financial center, and derives actionable recommendations for policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders. The goal is to secure and expand Switzerland’s competitiveness and innovative capacity in the blockchain and fintech sectors.
A Future-Oriented Strategy
In recent years, Switzerland has established itself as a leading location for blockchain technologies, thanks to progressive regulatory frameworks, authorities’ pro-innovation attitude, and close cooperation between politics and industry.
However, this lead is under threat. Countries in Asia and the Middle East are rapidly catching up, offering increasingly attractive conditions for blockchain businesses. Meanwhile, the sharp political shift under the Trump administration serves as a wake-up call. At the same time, slow-moving processes, regulatory uncertainties, and new international requirements are seen as obstacles in Switzerland.
A joint and coordinated approach is needed to counter this trend and future-proof Switzerland as a business location. The manifesto’s 12-point program addresses this need, providing concrete measures to promote innovation, enhance competitiveness, and reduce regulatory hurdles..
12 Recommendations and Demands for Politics, Government, and Industry
The manifesto outlines twelve specific areas for action that form the foundation for a strong, future-ready blockchain industry in Switzerland:
- Strengthen innovation-friendly frameworks: FINMA should once again define innovation as a strategic objective and report on its progress.
- Technology-neutral and proportionate regulation: Requirements for crypto service providers and stablecoins must be competitive and clearly differentiated.
- Binding timelines for FINMA approval procedures: Licensing processes should follow a clear structure and be completed within six months.
- Promote digital money: Stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) should lay the foundation for a digital economy.
- Use technology for compliance: Innovative technologies should make compliance processes more efficient and cost-effective.
- Empower self-regulation: Self-regulatory organizations (SROs) should be given more flexibility and autonomy.
- Transparent supervisory practices: FINMA should increase transparency in its supervisory role and strengthen its dialogue with the industry.
- Remove technical investment barriers: Identify and reduce obstacles to foreign investments.
- Clarify vague regulations: Ambiguous standards should be refined through dialogue between authorities and industry.
- Critically review international standards: The adoption of international standards into Swiss law must support national interests.
- Encourage industry initiative: The industry should take responsibility for developing standards and proactively addressing weaknesses.
- Improve funding for start-ups and SMEs: Expand government support programs and tax incentives.
The Swiss Blockchain Federation, the Crypto Valley Association, and the Bitcoin Association Switzerland have launched this manifesto to ensure Switzerland’s long-term leadership in the blockchain sector. To ensure tangible progress, the implementation of these goals will be regularly reviewed and adapted where necessary.
Interested organizations are invited to join the initiative and actively contribute to strengthening Switzerland as a leading blockchain location.
