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  • user 3:35 am on August 31, 2016 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , Switzerland, ,   

    Switzerland Opens up to Blockchain Tech 

    Appetite for #blockchain #technology is growing worldwide as venture capital investment in #Bitcoin and blockchain startups exceeds US$ 1.1 billion and major financial institutions begin trialing the technology for varied applications.

    Perceived as the trigger to “a profound technological shift” by authors Don and Alex Tapscott, blockchain technology not only promises to help #banks save up to US$ 20 billion in infrastructure costs but could also disrupt other industries as well including insurance, healthcare, education and governance.

    While Silicon Valley reminds a hotspot for blockchain development, hosting 30% of the world’s bitcoin and blockchain startups and attracting 51% of the total venture capital investment globally, according to CoinDesk‘s Q1 2016 State of Blockchain report, other locations around the world are working towards building a strong domestic ecosystem.

    In June, 24 members of the Swiss Parliament proposed a motion to reduce the regulatory burdens of blockchain startups. The motion, aimed at defining the term &8216;client deposit&8217; from banking bills, was rejected earlier this month, implying that FINMA, #Switzerland&8217;s financial watchdog, would consider blockchain and bitcoin startups as being qualify as banking businesses, according to a report by Startupticker.ch.

     

    Switzerland is exploring other options including creating an entirely new license category for financial innovators carrying out some banking activities but with limited acceptance of client assets and no lending activity, as well as a license-exempt area, also referred to as a &8216;regulatory sandbox.&8217;

    On January 01, 2016, FINMA revised its Anti-money Ordinance for businesses dealing with new payment methods and virtual currencies. Regarding virtual currencies, the authority equated them with money-transmitting services.

     

    Switzerland&8217;s Bitcoin and blockchain ecosystem

    In recent years, the Swiss canton of Zug has welcomed a growing number of Bitcoin and blockchain startups settling and opening offices in the location. This has led to the emergence of the &8220;Crypto Valley&8221; nickname which today hosts the likes of Monetas, Shapeshift, Xapo and Blockchain Source.

    Monetas is a software company focused on next-generation financial services, providing banks and firms with a platform that allows for safe, fast, and very low cost transfers of any asset. In October last year, the company announced a pilot for a nationwide transaction platform for Tunisia&8217;s postal services.

    Shapeshift is a #cryptocurrency exchange platform that allows for instant trade.

    Blockchain Source is a consulting firm specializing in blockchain #tech for the financial services industry.

    Xapo provides users with a bitcoin wallet as well as a &8220;deep cold storage wallet.&8221; The company has raised US$ 40 million in funding so far. The company, initially based in Palo Alto, relocated its corporate headquarters to Switzerland in May 2015, citing the country&8217;s long history of neutrality and stability.

    Alongside its vibrant startup community, Switzerland is also home to Nexussquared, a blockchain-focused incubator founded by former senior UBS banker Daniel Gasteiger and property specialist Daniel Grassinger that aims at &8220;establishing Switzerland as a nexus for blockchain technology.&8221;

    In July, Nexussquared wrapped up the first edition of nexuslab, a virtual blockchain startup program co-organized with Startupbootcamp #Fintech.

    PHOTO: PIOTR PIWOWARSKI www.fotopi.ch

    PHOTO: Nexuslab Festival Finale by PIOTR PIWOWARSKI http://www.fotopi.ch, via Nexussquared

    Eight startups presented during the nexuslab Festival finale in Zurich on July 07. These ventures included Agrello, an Ethereum-based platform for managing contracts and legal documents; Doqum.io, a peer-to-peer community system for digital documents; First Wallet, a payment system for content providers; and Taqanu Bank, a neo-bank that leverages blockchain technology to provide banking services to people who don&8217;t have a fixed address; among others.

    The event gathered nearly 170 investors, industry experts and journalists. The presentations by the eight startups &8220;pointed to Switzerland&8217;s strong position as a blockchain hub,&8221; Nexussquared said in a media release.

    &8220;From trading ownership in music as a form of alternative investment to a banking solution for refugees and creating and signing electronic contracts, festival attendees got a taste of how blockchain technology can be applied to develop tangible business models.&8221;

    On September 13, the Finance 2.0 Crypto &8217;16 conference in Kunsthaus Zurich will welcome industry experts to discuss &8220;how cryptofinance will change the world.&8221;

    Topics will include the use of blockchain technology in art and music, decentralized autonomous organizations, smart contracts, business applications for private and open chains, as well as international settlements using cryptocurrencies. Get an exclusive 25% Discount with Code &8220;FinTech&8221; .

     

    Featured image: Chain and padlock by ifong, via Shutterstock.

    The post Switzerland Opens up to Blockchain Tech appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News – FintechNewsCH.

    Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News – FintechNewsCH

     

  • user 12:18 pm on August 3, 2016 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Alps, Birthday, , , , , Switzerland,   

    Happy Birthday Switzerland: Searching for Crypto in Valleys and Alps 

    Image courtesy Eiger Hotel Today is Swiss National Day, so although Daily #Fintech is a global business and we do not take sides in the Fintech Capital of the world debate, today is a day to celebrate all things Swiss. First, a personal note, I chose to live here forRead More
    Bank Innovation

     

  • user 12:59 pm on July 11, 2016 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Crowfunding, , , Lendico, Masses, , Switzerland   

    PostFinance Eyes Crowfunding to the Masses with Lendico JV in Switzerland 

    #Fintech firm #Lendico #eyes Swiss marketplace via joint-venture with #PostFinance.
    FinTech – Finance Magnates | Financial and business news

     

  • user 3:35 pm on June 19, 2016 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , DigitalZurich2025’s, , , internationally, , , Kleij, , Switzerland   

    Eric van der Kleij joins DigitalZurich2025’s Kickstart Accelerator program to develop and internationally connect FinTech in Switzerland 

    220px-Eric_van_der_Kleij

    #Eric van der #Kleij – Source: wikimedia.org

    The founding partners of Kickstart Accelerator – an initiative of DigitalZurich2025 &8211; are delighted to announce that Eric van der Kleij, former CEO of TechCity UK and founder of Level39, together with an experienced international team will lead the development of the #FinTech #program scheduled to launch in August 2016.

    Eric and the #accelerator team bring with them a wealth of experience from setting up and delivering world-class accelerator programs and hubs such as Level 39 in London, to supporting and investing in high potential startups in Silicon Valley. Working for the #Kickstart team they will apply their expertise and international connections throughout August to November 2016 at the Kickstart Accelerator program in the heart of Zurich.

    I am impressed with the level of ambition, resource and access that Kickstart and its leading banking, insurance, telco and consulting partners have brought together” says Eric van der Kleij. “Adding the international FinTech connections to Zurich as a world financial centre will prove hugely attractive for pioneering new talent and I believe that the close links being organised between founders and the partner companies will help to #develop both high potential new concepts and the connections to rapidly scale for world markets.

    The FinTech program is part of the Kickstart Accelerator, an initiative of DigitalZurich2025 and one of the largest accelerators in Europe, which aims at promoting #Switzerland as one of the leading locations for digital enterprise. Operated by Impact Hub, the Kickstart Accelerator and its distinct FinTech program will provide unrivalled access for selected start-ups to leading players in the Swiss and global financial marketplace.

    Furthermore, successful applicants will benefit from financial assistance for three months, a workplace in Zurich, industry-leading mentorship, exclusive meetings with prominent voices in the FinTech ecosystem, introductions to investors and, of course, the expert guidance of Eric van der Kleij and the international accelerator team.

    As of today more than 900 teams from 40 countries have applied for the coveted places at one of the four Kickstart programs which are organised into four themes: FinTech, Smart & Connected Machines, Food and Emerging & Future Technologies.

    For FinTech more than 200 start-ups have submitted their business cases with focus areas in #Blockchain, Smart Contracts, Wealth Management, InsureTech and Digital Identity.

    A detailed selection process is currently underway to identify applicants that have the most compelling concepts as well as the largest potential to benefit from the three months acceleration program. Final selections are to be expected no later than July 2016.

    The FinTech program within Kickstart Accelerator is funded and facilitated collaboratively by several leading Swiss-based organisations including Credit Suisse, EY, Global FinTech Association, Swisscom, Swiss Life and UBS.
     kickstart accelator program

    DigitalZurich2025

    digitalzurich2025

    DigitalZurich2025 is a cross-industry initiative which aims at making Switzerland a leading digital innovation hub in Europe. Its focus lies on enabling digital start-ups, companies and talents as well as supporting Swiss companies in managing the digital transformation. The initiative was set up in 2015 by over 20 well-known companies, academic institutions and political representatives.

    Kickstart Accelerator

    kickstartaccelerator

    Kickstart is the most ambitious Swiss startup program to date. Never before has Switzerland or Europe had a multi- corporate and equity-free accelerator program welcoming over 100 founders from around the world. Backed by academia, corporates and the local startup ecosystem, it aims to put Switzerland on the map by bringing some of the most promising early-stage startups from different fields to Switzerland for three months. Operated by Impact Hub Zürich, Kickstart Accelerator was founded in 2015 and is an initiative in cooperation with DigitalZurich2025.

    Impact Hub Zürich

    Impact zurich hub

    Impact Hub Zürich is a community of creators building a radically collaborative world. Being part of the largest network of entrepreneurship and innovation centers across the globe, Impact Hub Zürich sets out to create a thriving innovation ecosystem where people collaborate across organizations, cultures and generations to solve the grand challenges of our time. Impact Hubs offer community memberships, workspace, incubation & acceleration programs and corporate innovation services.

    The post Eric van der Kleij joins DigitalZurich2025’s Kickstart Accelerator program to develop and internationally connect FinTech in Switzerland appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News – FintechNewsCH.

    Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News – FintechNewsCH

     

  • user 3:35 pm on May 27, 2016 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , Switzerland,   

    Recommendations to Boost Entrepreneurship in Switzerland 

    While #Switzerland might be one of the best locations in the world to set up a business, the country’s own #entrepreneurship ecosystem has not yet reached its full potential, according to the Start-up Monitor foundation.

    In a new report, the Start-up Monitor foundation provides an in-depth analysis of entrepreneurial activities in Switzerland. Founded in 2012 by ETH Zurich, University and St.Gallen and University of Basel, the Start-up Monitor foundation is an organization aimed at monitoring and helping develop the startup ecosystem in Switzerland.

    The Swiss Entrepreneurship Ecosystem report 2015 2016The document, entitled ‘The Swiss Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Report 2015/2016,&8217; addresses the strengths and weaknesses of Switzerland&8217;s entrepreneurial scene and suggests that although the country is one of the most competitive and innovative in the world, there are still many challenges to overcome in order to become an internationally recognized “Start-up Nation.”

    Switzerland is globally recognized for its stable, transparent and effective institutions, but also its healthy finances, attractive taxes, excellent infrastructure, exceptional capacity for innovation, and world-class education system, and yet, the country does not rank among the most entrepreneurial countries in the world, the report says.

    It notes that due to the lack of growth-stage funding, many startups leave Switzerland at this stage to countries with more favorable conditions. &8220;Switzerland needs to ensure funding opportunities not only for seed-stage, but also for the start-up and growth-stages of a venture,&8221; the report says.

    It advises for more entrepreneurship education programs on primary and secondary level, and notes that there is a strong need to strengthen a supportive entrepreneurial culture, notably among young people, in order for them to consider entrepreneurship as a desirable, feasible and viable career opportunity.

    The document also claims that there is a strong need to focus on ageing workforces, increasing entrepreneurship intentions to prolong working lives and reduce older-age unemployment.

    Moreover, the fact that Switzerland is a relatively small market can cause significant scalability challenges for new ventures.

    Swiss Innovation Park Dübendorf

    The report lists a number of initiatives that have been undertaken to foster the Swiss entrepreneurial spirit, among which the new innovation center set to launch later this year in Dubendorf. The Swiss Innovation Park is a project of the federal government, cantons, science and economy, which will be dedicated to industrial research.

    Another initiative is Digital Zurich 2025, which focuses on turning the greater Zurich area into a leading European center for digital innovation. It aims at being a platform where academics and experts in information and communication #technology would meet and collaborate. Digital Zurich 2025 is also planning an annual congress and a Swiss Investor Summit where startups would have the opportunity to meet with international investors and business leaders.

    Balgrist Campus on the other hand, has recently established a research and development center for medicine located between the lake of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital.

    Finally, the Swiss Investment Fund (SIF) initiative of the Swiss Private Equity and Corporate Finance Association aims at closing the financing gap and foster innovation entrepreneurship in the Swiss innovation ecosystem. SIF acts as a &8220;fund of funds,&8221; which means that it invests in a number of smaller funds, which in turn, can provide equity capital to a number of young Swiss tech companies.

    That said, Switzerland has got many advantages for businesses as well. In addition to its high innovation capability, Switzerland has a very supportive government, as well as regulations in favor of entrepreneurship.

    Additionally, its geographical location provides young companies with an easy access to the European market and stronger trade links.

     

    Swiss Entrepreneurship Report 2015 2016

     

    Featured image: Zurich pinned on a map of Europe by Dmitry Kaminsky, via Shutterstock.com.

    The post Recommendations to Boost Entrepreneurship in Switzerland appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News – FintechNewsCH.

    Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News – FintechNewsCH

     

  • user 3:35 pm on May 25, 2016 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , EPFL, , Lagging, , , Switzerland,   

    Switzerland Is Lagging Behind on Digitalization, Says New EPFL Study 

    While #Switzerland is a global leader in many sectors, the country is #lagging #behind on #digitalization, according to a new #study.

    In a new report released today, the Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (#EPFL) – on behalf of Swisscom and SIX &8211;, explores Switzerland’s current digital landscape and details how it can benefit from future technological developments.

    Switzerland Digitalization report Swisscom SIX EPFLThe document, entitled ‘Switzerland&8217;s digital future &8211; Facts, challenges and recommendation,&8217; suggests that although Switzerland is recognized as one of the world&8217;s most competitive economies, the country is lesser known for its information #technology sector or for its influence in the digital economy area.

    “The EPFL study clearly shows that although Switzerland is well placed globally, we are not in an overly strong position either,” Urs Schaeppi, CEO of Swisscom, commented on the research findings. &8220;We need to take action today so that we do not miss the opportunity to harness the technologies of the future.&8221;

    The report focuses on five current trends in digitalization: digital infrastructure, startup ecosystem, data governance, the digitalization of the public sector, and societal trends. It aims at identifying Switzerland&8217;s strengths and weaknesses in the global landscape.

    Findings suggest that Switzerland has a strong and highly competitive ICT infrastructure, but at the same time, is constrained by strict regulatory requirements and costs regarding mobile broadband.

    The report also points out that there are still untapped opportunities in relation to data management as Switzerland has an excellent reputation globally for responsible data management and effective data protection. Therefore, it is ideally positioned to become a global &8220;safe haven for data&8221; and a prime location for &8220;big data&8221; centers.

    When it comes to the entrepreneurial spirit, however, the study found that Swiss people are lagging behind the likes of the US, for instance, which has a strong startup culture. The Swiss startup ecosystem has not emerged yet, the report #says. It notes that changes in funding and taxing startups would help make the country more attractive to creative, tech-oriented companies.

    The report also suggests that current legal framework is holding back digital progress. It notes that the country&8217;s relatively high level of regulation can pose a barrier to digital process. Additionally, e-government is relatively underdeveloped is Switzerland and represents an untapped opportunity for the Administration and the economy.

    Some of the barriers to achieving success and becoming a major player in digitalization, are not specific to Switzerland, though. For instance, the report notes that digital literacy and readiness should be promoted through dedicated programs.

    The report also lists a number of recommendations in order for Switzerland to fully benefit from technological developments.

    Among these recommendations, the document suggests an increase in private and public infrastructure investments in mobile broadband. It also advises for the promotion of the attractiveness of Switzerland&8217;s infrastructure for finance-oriented digital infrastructure.

    Switzerland should further improve and promote its position as a secure trusted center of corporate and individual data.

    Furthermore, new funding mechanisms must be introduced to fill the gap between seed money and large investments.

    &8220;Switzerland&8217;s digital future will depend on citizens, policy makers, and entrepreneurs at the local and global level,&8221; the report concludes.

     

    Featured image: Man holding social object by chanpipat, via Shutterstock.com.

    The post Switzerland Is Lagging Behind on Digitalization, Says New EPFL Study appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News – FintechNewsCH.

    Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News – FintechNewsCH

     

  • user 3:35 pm on May 21, 2016 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Courses, Education, , , , Switzerland, , University, Workshops   

    Fintech and Blockchain Education: University Courses and Workshops in Switzerland and Germany 

    The vibrant #FinTech ecosystem is evolving rapidly and the sector is in increasing need for professionals with skills and knowledge on the new, emerging business models, digital platforms and tools that are gaining popularity.

    To educate students and professionals on FinTech, #Switzerland and #Germany have a number of programs available that dive into digitalization in the banking and financial sector, #blockchain #technology, the emerging FinTech startup scene, and many other topics.

    Here is a few of them:

    Hochschule Luzern: CAS Digital Banking

    Hochschule Luzern fintech program courses

    The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Digital Banking of Hochschule Luzern is a program aimed at providing students with professional skills and knowledge on the emerging FinTech ecosystem, teach them about the ongoing digitalization of the financial services industry, and the ability to use these new trends to grab new business opportunities.

    The program is divided into four main #courses: the environment of digital banking, strategic digital banking, digital customer management and social banking, and FinTech products and solutions.

     

    HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich: CAS Digital Finance

    hochschule fur wirtschaft zurich fintech course

    The CAS Digital Finance of the #University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration in Zurich, is a 18-day course targeted at financial services professionals.

    The program is divided into four major blocks:

    • Digital mindset: innovation management, cultural changes, digitalization as part of the overall strategy, etc.
    • Digital products and services: fintech, crowdfunding/lending, peer-to-peer, #robo-advisor, etc.
    • Technology: big-data analysis, cyber security, blockchain technology, etc.
    • Customer experience: multichannel presence, online/offline strategies, community, social media, etc.

     

    Frankfurt School of Finance and Management

    Frankfurt School of Finance and Management fintech course

    As part of its bachelor’s degree in business administration, the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management is proposing a specialization called “Digital Innovation and FinTech” which focuses on the impact of technology and new business models and services on the banking and financial services industry.

    The program will begin in the winter semester of 2016/2017, and as part of the launch of the new specialization, the university has teamed up with FinTech Group, which will support 20 students with their tuition fees. The company will also offer the three year&8217;s best students an employment contract.

     

    Introduction to Blockchains and smart contracts for developers

    introduction to blockchain and smart contracts for developers ValidityLabs fintech courseZurich-based ValidityLabs is a company that provides blockchain and smart contracts #education through courses and #workshops.

    On May 21, 2016, ValidityLabs will be hosting a workshop at Zurich&8217;s Technopark,

    The workshop will be focused on Ethereum and is aimed at familiarizing developers, software architects and technical decision markets with principles of blockchains and smart contracts.

    The workshop will feature a demonstration of a contract deployment and inspection on the Ethereum network.

    Source: information and images from the mentioned universities&8217;/organizations&8217; wites

     

    The post Fintech and Blockchain Education: University Courses and Workshops in Switzerland and Germany appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News – FintechNewsCH.

    Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News – FintechNewsCH

     

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