Stablecoin Issuer
Regulatory framework for issuing fiat-pegged stablecoins with 100% reserve backing and either FinTech license or full banking license pathway.
Banking Act Art. 1, FINMA Guidance 06/2024 on Stablecoins, AMLA
Capital Required
CHF 300,000-10,000,000 depending on pathway
Timeline
8-18 months
Fees
CHF 10,000-100,000 application + CHF 5,000-50,000 annual
Regulatory Body
Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)
Legislative Framework
Financial Market Infrastructure Act (FMIA), Banking Act (BankA), Financial Institutions Act (FinIA), DLT Act 2021, Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA)
Last updated: June 2025
Key Requirements
100% reserve backing in Swiss francs or equivalent G10 currencies held in segregated accounts
Weekly independent audits of stablecoin reserves with certification by FINMA-approved auditors
Guaranteed par-value redemption within one business day at 1:1 ratio to underlying fiat currency
Restricted business model prohibited from investing reserves in securities, derivatives, or crypto assets
Choice of regulatory pathway: FinTech license, Full banking license, or bank guarantee arrangement
Comprehensive stablecoin governance documentation including reserve management and emergency protocols
Smart contract code audits by independent security firm with documented remediation procedures
Clear disclosure to users regarding reserve composition, redemption terms, and regulatory status
Application Process
Determine stablecoin regulatory pathway based on expected issuance volume and business model
If pursuing FinTech license: submit with stablecoin-specific documentation per FINMA 06/2024 Guidance
Establish reserve account with Swiss bank partner and obtain segregation confirmation
Prepare comprehensive stablecoin prospectus and user terms including reserve policy and redemption mechanics
Submit reserve management and audit protocols to FINMA for review and approval
Final approval by FINMA contingent on reserve setup and chosen regulatory pathway compliance
Expected Total Timeline
8-18 months
Ongoing Obligations
After obtaining your Stablecoin Issuer, these are the continuing compliance requirements you must maintain.
Weekly independent audits of stablecoin reserves with auditor reports submitted to FINMA monthly
Maintain 100% segregated reserves in Swiss banks with monthly reconciliation and attestation
Quarterly reporting to FINMA of stablecoin circulation, redemption activity, and reserve composition
Immediate notification to FINMA of any reserve shortfalls, failed redemptions, or critical issues
Annual compliance certifications regarding reserve adequacy and adherence to restricted business model
Update and maintain comprehensive cybersecurity and operational resilience plans with annual testing
Cost Summary
Capital Requirement
CHF 300,000-10,000,000 depending on pathway
Application & Licensing Fees
CHF 10,000-100,000 application + CHF 5,000-50,000 annual
Jurisdiction Setup Cost
$55,000-$220,000
Annual: $80,000-$200,000
Other Switzerland Licenses
Explore other license types available in Switzerland.
DLT Trading Facility License
FinTech License
Full Banking License
Asset Manager License
Need help with Stablecoin Issuer?
Our team manages the full Switzerland licensing process -from application preparation through post-approval implementation.
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