Banking

Opening a corporate bank account is one of the most operationally critical — and, for crypto companies, most challenging — steps in establishing a Zug business. Traditional Swiss banks remain largely inaccessible to blockchain and digital asset businesses. This section covers the FINMA-licensed digital asset banks that serve Crypto Valley, what the account opening process requires, what it costs, and how to navigate the Swiss banking landscape as a blockchain or crypto company.

The practical reality is that most Swiss cantonal and universal banks will decline to open accounts for companies with material exposure to digital assets, token issuance, or cryptocurrency trading. This is not a regulatory prohibition but a risk appetite decision — and it channels virtually all Crypto Valley banking relationships toward a small number of specialised institutions. FINMA-licensed digital asset banks including Sygnum, AMINA Bank (formerly SEBA), and Maerki Baumann have built their business models around serving this sector, offering corporate accounts, fiat on-ramps, custody, and staking services alongside traditional banking products.

Account opening at these institutions requires thorough preparation. KYC and AML documentation demands are substantial: corporate documents authenticated and apostilled, beneficial ownership declarations, source-of-funds documentation tracing the origin of capital — particularly any capital derived from token sales or digital asset appreciation — and detailed business plans describing the company’s activities and projected transaction volumes. Processing times range from four to twelve weeks depending on the complexity of the corporate structure and the quality of documentation submitted. Our banking coverage provides step-by-step guidance on preparing a successful application, realistic cost expectations, and an honest assessment of which institutions are currently accepting new blockchain-sector clients.