With a client roster that includes start-ups and large technology companies, Bär & Karrer Ltd. possess demonstrable strengths across a spectrum of legal and regulatory matters. Key undertakings for the firm encompass crypto currencies, crowdfunding and technology licensing and procurement, to name a few, and the team regularly operates in the banking, insurance and finance remit. Daniel Flühmann  and Eric Stupp jointly lead the practice, with the former holding a wealth of experience in corporate and commercial matters as well as advising on the legal framework relating to blockchain technology. The latter’s capabilities include regulatory issues, enforcement proceedings and M&A. Peter Hsu is routinely engaged by foreign banks, securities dealers and insurers, while Christian Kunz strengthens the practice with his expertise in data, data protection, cybersecurity and technology law. Cyrill Diefenbacher and Gadi Winter are also recommended.

Noted for operating in a ‘proactive and client-oriented manner’, Kellerhals Carrard enjoys a strong reputation in a diverse array of areas, from payment systems and tokenisation to credit and digital asset management. Practice head and ‘absolute pro’ Luca Bianchi advises clients on complex capital market transactions, the regulation of financial services and securitisation transactions. ‘Well connected’ Cornelia Stengel primarily focuses on financial services regulation and data protection. Transactional expert Emanuel Dettwiler and data protection expert Luca Stäuble are other key members of the practice.

Praised by clients for being ‘practical and plugged in’, MLL Legal is a strong choice for clients pursuing new technologies, such as innovative financing structures and new business models utilising fintech. The team routinely operates for banks and financial institutions, as well as fintech start-ups and securities firms. Steering the practice is Kilian Schärli and Reto Luthiger, with the former being particularly active in the technology, industrial and internet sectors, while the latter is noted for his experience in the remit of financial markets regulatory work and civil law matters. Catrina Luchsinger Gähwiler acts for a diverse client base comprised of banks, asset managers and investment vehicles. Ronald Kogens departed in May 2023.

Including a diverse array of projects in its arsenal, from technology and tax to banking and corporate, MME Legal | Tax | Compliance’s technical understanding means that it is well positioned to advise notable clients on digital or blockchain-based applications, crowdfunding initiatives and token offerings, to name a few. Co-lead Thomas Linder bolsters the practice with his capabilities in international tax issues, as well as a broad scope of interdisciplinary projects. Fellow co-lead Andreas Glarner is notably well-versed in digitalisation strategies and the regulatory landscape. Ronald Kogens, who joined from MLL Legal in May 2023, is noted for his representation of companies across the full range of development, while Michael Kunz demonstrates prowess in data protection, software license management and cloud computing. Michèle Landtwing Leupi’s strengths lie in complex compliance cases, internal investigations and regulatory matters.

Reputed for its work handling the utilisation of blockchain technology, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd is well-equipped to manage issues surrounding digital assets, legal and regulatory compliance aspects as well as crowdfunding projects. Recommended for its ‘extraordinary level of competence and expertise’, the firm’s stellar client roster includes a variety of funds, banks and financial institutions. Olivier Favre, Tarek Houdrouge and Roland Mathys jointly spearhead the practice. Zurich-based Favre’s reputation for transactional and advisory work is prominent, and Geneva-based Houdrouge covers an array of fintech work, from cross-border M&A to venture capital. Mathys is intimately familiar with outsourcing transactions and major technology projects, while Caroline Clemetson possesses notable experience in the realm of banking and finance law. Grégoire Wuest regularly handles multi-jurisdictional transactions.

Appreciated by clients for its ‘unique combination of deep sector knowledge, cutting-edge technological understanding and adaptive solutions’, Homburger represents innovative and blue-chip companies on financial market regulation, financing, capital markets and TMT matters. Daniel Haeberli and Luca Dal Molin jointly steer the practice, with Haeberli’s key client roster composed of financial intermediaries and start-ups. Dal Molin’s extensive experience in technology transactions bolsters the practice, while Stefan Kramer contributes his capabilities in tokenisation, regulatory and contractual issues and digital assets.

Helmed by Lukas Morscher, Marcel Tranchet and Fedor Poskriakov, the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team at Lenz & Staehelin is pre-eminent in the use of DLT and blockchain technologies. It fields a considerable offering that encompasses the digitisation of financial assets, compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and public blockchains. Morscher is accomplished in technology, financial services and business sourcing, while Poskriakov is a specialist within banking, securities and finance law. Tranchet advises across a diverse array of issues, including securities transactions, financing matters and derivatives.

Operating across the full spectrum of fintech related matters, Niederer Kraft Frey AG’s provision of advice to strategic partners, venture capitalist houses and private equity houses is particularly notable. Key undertakings for the practice incorporate data protection law, regulatory proceedings and trading platforms, to name a few. Its work in the financial technologies sector is extensive. ‘Outstanding’ practice head Thomas A Frick frequently handles regulatory, contractual and structuring issues. Bertrand Schott strengthens the practice with his demonstrable proficiency in financial market regulations, financial infrastructure and payment system regulations.

A practice that demonstrates ‘tremendous strength in regulatory, fintech and asset management maters’, Pestalozzi is particularly well-versed in regulatory impact analysis, blockchain and cryptocurrency projects alongside substantive expertise in the implementation of new technologies. The practice is jointly led by Oliver Widmer, who practices across a multitude of transactional and regulatory matters, and Urs Klöti, who principally focuses on regulatory, anti-money laundering, compliance and finance matters.

Described as ‘dedicated, responsive and professional’, VISCHER’s fintech practice has recently been engaged in crypto-related and cloud-related matters as well as security token offerings. The practice is led by Jana Essebier, who fields a diverse practice that encompasses blockchain-related advice, mobile payments, crowdfunding and complex financial instruments. Stefan Grieder specialises in the law on collective capital investments, while Christian Wyss’s capabilities range from transfer and licensing agreements to contract manufacturing agreements. Rolf Auf Der Maur has established extensive knowledge in the digitisation and online platforms sphere.

Counting a host of start-ups and established players in its key client roster, Wenger Vieli Ltd is regularly entrusted by significant clients to manage complex regulatory matters and license procedures, alongside strengths in blockchain, distributed ledger technologies and cryptocurrencies. Martin Peyer helms the practice, excelling in the spheres of cryptocurrency, regulatory aspects of blockchain business models and NFT marketplaces. Martin Berweger is a specialist within the realm of blockchain projects, with Daniel S. Weber also being recommended.

Manuel Meyer, Ansgar Schott and Yves Mauchle jointly lead Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG‘s fintech practice, which leverages its expansive global network to effectively advise financial institutions, global digital leaders and start-ups on a variety of legal and regulatory issues in the fintech arena. Meyer counts a diverse array of domestic and international investors in his client roster, while Schott advises clients throughout the lifecycle of regulated businesses. Mauchle is noted for his ability to assist financial intermediaries with regulatory matters and demonstrates prowess in relation to fintech business models.

Steered by Tina Balzli, CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.’s ‘responsive, solution-oriented and creative’ fintech practice advises on matters pertaining to innovative payment services, digital assets brokerage and trading platforms as well as cryptocurrency exchanges. The team is able to utilise its extensive global network to benefit its clients. Well regarded for her ‘experience, personality and skills’, Balzli is knowledgeable across the full gamut of regulatory issues, among others. Matthias Kuert strengthens the practice with his expertise in general contract and corporate law matters.

Eversheds Sutherland AG maintains a strong practice in advising innovative start-ups involved in the blockchain and crypto business. Michael Mosimann leads the practice with his vast expertise in financial market regulations related to digital applications. Ludovic Duarte’s wide-ranging experience includes enforcement proceedings and regulatory matters, while Andrea Bätscher possesses considerable cross-border capabilities.

Géraldine Badel Poitras and Damien Cand helm the Gillioz Dorsaz & Associés fintech practice, noted for its representation of fintech companies in business model development, requesting financial licenses and in enforcement proceedings with the FINMA. Badel Poitras is reputed within the financial regulation sphere, whereas Cand’s strengths lie in M&A and anti-money laundering. Bernado Marques is another name to note in the practice.

Noted for its ‘successful fact finding’ capabilities, Künzi Hess MacNab’s comprehensive offering includes legal, regulatory and compliance advice. Martin Hess, My Chau Bachelard and Eva Künzi Peditto jointly spearhead the fintech department. Hess is especially knowledgeable in the remit of financial services issues.

While routinely engaged by clients with a focus on crypto business, Mangeat Attorneys at Law LLC’s fintech practice also provides strategic advice surrounding issues of banking, anti-money laundering and corporate law. Practice head Fabien Aepli, who is praised for his ‘business acumen’ and high quality advice’, demonstrates considerable expertise across blockchain-related projects, STOs and the tokenisation of shares and other assets. Laetitia Rienzo is another key name to note.