We guide FinTechs through the full FINMA process — feasibility, documentation, application and approval — as one partner from first assessment to launch.
Max public deposits under Art. 1b
Typical time to approval
Feasibility to operational launch
We prepare audit-ready documentation: business plan, financials, governance and AML/KYC.
We coordinate with your auditors and manage a structured submission built around FINMA’s review.
We handle FINMA’s questions and guide the process through to licence approval.
Swiss financial-market activity is authorised under distinct licence types. We identify the right one for your model — and, where a business grows into another, guide the transition.
For institutions taking deposits and running the full interest-margin business of a bank.
Accept public deposits up to CHF 100 million, without investing them or paying interest.
For firms dealing in securities on their own or clients’ account, or running a trading venue.
For managing Swiss collective investment schemes as the responsible entity.
For managing assets of collective schemes and occupational pension funds.
For discretionary management of individual client portfolios under FINMA supervision.
A licence is the starting point, not the finish line. Therefore, we build the operational substance FINMA expects and provide ongoing regulatory assistance long after approval — a single partner from licence to launch.
FinTech IT and compliance integration: core systems, AML and KYC tooling, and connectivity to SIC, euroSIC and the Swiss National Bank.
Swiss FinTech company setup, day-to-day processes, outsourcing arrangements, and controls that hold up under supervisory review.
Board composition, risk management and internal controls fit for a FINMA-regulated firm.
A Swiss FinTech licence requires real substance: one board member and two executive managers resident in Switzerland, each a task-specific expert. Our network across the Swiss fintech ecosystem covers every key role — from CEO to CFO, Risk & Compliance and Technology.
One board member and two executive managers must reside in Switzerland.
We guide FinTech and financial firms through FINMA authorisation across the full range of licence types. Every engagement is led hands-on — from the first feasibility call to the moment your licence is granted.
Ultimately, that experience is where our value sits: we know how FINMA reads an application, where reviews slow down, and how to structure a submission so it holds up the first time.
Our work rests on current Swiss financial-market law — the Banking Act, FinIA, FinSA and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, together with FINMA’s circulars and supervisory practice.
Based on Article 1b of the Banking Act, it lets a company accept public deposits of up to CHF 100 million without a full banking licence — provided those funds are neither invested nor bear interest. It suits neobanks, payment providers and custodians that safeguard client money rather than lend it out.
Most applications run between 6 and 12 months, depending on the complexity of the business model and how complete the documentation is at submission. A well-prepared, audit-ready application is the single biggest factor in keeping the review on schedule.
A FinTech licence requires minimum capital of at least 3% of public deposits, and no less than CHF 300,000 — considerably lighter than the CHF 10 million required for a full banking licence.
It does not permit lending, paying interest on deposits, investing client funds, securities dealing or discretionary asset management. Those activities require a full banking licence or a separate authorisation under the Financial Institutions Act (FinIA).
Yes. The licensed entity must be a Swiss company (AG or GmbH) with its registered office and actual business activities in Switzerland, together with fit-and-proper management genuinely present in the country.
No. Deposits held under a FinTech licence are not covered by the Swiss deposit protection scheme, and clients must be informed of this — it is a key disclosure requirement of the licence.
Yes — Switzerland plans to replace the FinTech licence with a new payment institution licence under the Financial Institutions Act, removing the CHF 100 million limit. Read our overview of the Swiss payment institution licence for what changes and how to prepare.
FinTech Werkstatt supported us in preparing our Swiss FinTech licence application in a highly efficient and structured way. All required documentation was delivered audit-ready, covering business planning, AML, risk and compliance, outsourcing, and financial projections.
Their guidance helped us focus early on key regulatory risks and priorities, resulting in a clear and well-prepared submission. The collaboration was professional, precise, and highly effective throughout the process.
FinTech Werkstatt was a key partner in navigating both Swiss and international licence applications. Their expertise in regulatory structuring, IT infrastructure, and compliance ensured a smooth and well-coordinated process.
With access to qualified board and executive candidates in Switzerland, we were able to meet FINMA requirements efficiently. Their hands-on support and regulatory insight made a significant difference to our application outcome.
We reviewed a FINMA FinTech licence application prepared by FinTech Werkstatt prior to submission and assessed it as high quality and well structured. The documentation met regulatory expectations and reflected strong technical expertise.
The collaboration was efficient and responsive, with all questions addressed promptly. We would welcome further opportunities to review applications prepared by the FinTech Werkstatt team.
FinTech Werkstatt combines strong regulatory expertise with efficient execution and excellent access to Swiss authorities and industry partners. Their structured approach ensures high-quality applications and clear regulatory positioning.
Our licence application was prepared and submitted in a very short timeframe, passed audit without delay, and progressed smoothly through the FINMA process. The team delivers speed, precision, and reliability.
FinTech Werkstatt provided structured support in aligning our organisation with Swiss Banking Act requirements and FINMA expectations. Their expertise ensured a compliant and well-prepared governance and operational setup.
The team demonstrated strong regulatory knowledge and professional execution, helping us establish a solid foundation for licensing and ongoing compliance.
