Introduction
While the UAE, Singapore, and the US receive the spotlight, a growing list of crypto-forward countries is quietly rolling out pro-crypto and exchange regulations. If you’re eyeing Switzerland, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, or El Salvador, this part is crafted for you.
Let’s break down how you can legally launch your cryptocurrency trading platform leveraging custom development or white label exchange software next, and how to stay on the regulator’s good side while you do it.
1. Switzerland
Switzerland, the home to “Crypto Valley,” openly welcomes blockchain and crypto innovation but expects you to play by the rules. The Swiss regulators have a tech-neutral stance. Under FINMA’s “same business, same rules” principle, if you offer financial services (accepts or transmits assets for others), whether crypto or non-crypto, you must follow the same rules and laws applicable to any conventional financial institution.
1. Regulatory Status & Licensing Options
- Cryptocurrency exchange software and wallet providers are treated as financial intermediaries.
- There’s no separate crypto license. You fit into existing frameworks. So, the same rules applied.
- The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is your main regulator. So, you’ll require a FINMA-aligned white label crypto exchange to stay compliant while you slay the exchange business.
- You’ll need to either:
- Join a FINMA-authorized Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) for AML oversight, or
- Depending on what you do, you need to get a direct license or authorization from FINMA (e.g., FinTech license, securities dealer license).
Are you a centralized crypto exchange holding client funds?
If your cryptocurrency exchange software platform holds fiat or crypto deposits from customers above a small threshold, you’ll need a form of banking license.
Many crypto firms opt for the FinTech License (a “banking light” option) for customer custody that allows public deposits up to CHF 100M with lighter capital requirements.
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