German stock exchange snaps up Swiss cryptocurrency firm
The operators of Germany's main stock exchange have paid more than CHF100 million ($108 million) for a majority stake in Swiss cryptocurrency service provider Crypto Finance.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
The move reflects a growing trend of traditional financial institutions gearing themselves up for an anticipated growth in the trade of digital financial assets.
Founded in 2017, Zurich-based Crypto Finance specialises in the storage and trading of a range of cryptocurrencies. The company acts as an intermediary between professional traders and crypto exchanges where the likes of bitcoin can be bought and sold.
For example, Spanish bank BBVA will lean on Crypto Finance to execute its recently announced cryptocurrency services for clients at its Swiss private banking unit.
Deutsche Börse, owners of Germany’s largest stock exchange, is one of many well-established global trading venues to embrace cryptocurrencies and other forms of digital assets in recent months.
“Digital assets will transform the financial industry. There is increasing demand from established financial institutions which are looking to become active in this new asset class and want a trusted partner,” said Deutsche Börse executive board member Thomas Book in a statementExternal link.
In addition to cryptocurrencies, digital assets can also include new digital versions of company shares, bonds and other investments. They are designed to run on distributed ledger technology (DLT) systems that allow for instant transactions that are easily traceable.
Old and new worlds
Deutsche Börse has agreed to pay a “moderate three-digit” million sum to take a two-thirds stake in Crypto Finance, pending regulatory approval later this year.
“Since the beginning our goal has been to bridge the old and new worlds,” said Crypto Finance CEO and founder Jan Brzezek, who will stay with the company under its new owner.
Popular Stories
More
Multinational companies
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Conventional and crypto finance continue to merge
This content was published on
Swiss digital assets bank SEBA has rounded off a bumpy year with some festive cheer – announcing an extra CHF20 million in funding from both existing shareholders (including Julius Bär) and new investors.
This content was published on
The goal is to make bitcoin banking as easy as for traditional Swiss franc accounts. The technological and regulatory constraints are receding.
Switzerland officially ushers in new blockchain finance era
This content was published on
The launch of digital asset laws in Switzerland on February 1 has been greeted with a welter of activity from the growing industry.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.