Swiss Crypto Exchange for Banks Launched

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Zurich-based start-up Rulematch, spearheaded by former Credit Suisse and Bitcoin Suisse top executive David Riegelnig, has introduced a new crypto trading platform with the backing of Luzerner Kantonalbank. The CEO, known for his roles at Bitcoin Suisse, brings extensive experience in risk management and executive leadership.

Swiss private bank selection and non-resident onboarding filters — Evaluating Swiss private and commercial banks across residency profile, deposit tier, corporate complexity, and investment mandate.

Exclusive for Financial Institutions

Rulematch positions itself as a crypto trading platform exclusively catering to financial institutions. Currently facilitating Bitcoin and Ether trading, the platform has garnered the participation of seven banks and securities firms, including Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) and a Swiss cantonal bank, as highlighted in a recent press release.

Institutional Presence Growing

CEO Riegelnig notes the increasing activity of banks and financial institutions in the crypto market. Rulematch serves as a space where these entities expand their crypto activities, employing strategies akin to traditional markets. Riegelnig sees this as a positive indicator for market liquidity and the future of digital asset development.

Powered by Nasdaq Technology

Utilizing Nasdaq’s trading technology, Rulematch’s matching engine is hosted in Zurich’s greater area, fostering collaboration among participants. The platform operates solely as a market operator, facilitating transactions by connecting buying and selling interests. In contrast to typical crypto exchanges, Rulematch does not provide custody solutions.

CDB 20 beneficial ownership verification and Source of Wealth dossier — Preparing a complete Source of Wealth (SoW) and Form A / Form K compliance package for Swiss bank onboarding.

Strategic Partnership with LUKB

Rulematch has entered a partnership with Luzerner Kantonalbank to oversee fiat funds deposited by qualified participants. These funds serve as collateral and are utilized for settlement in fiduciary accounts. The collaboration enhances the platform’s financial infrastructure and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

The launch of Rulematch signifies a strategic move in the Swiss crypto landscape, offering a specialized platform for financial institutions. The partnership with Luzerner Kantonalbank enhances the platform’s credibility, providing a secure environment for institutional participants to engage in crypto trading. As the market continues to evolve, Rulematch’s focus on liquidity and strategic collaborations positions it for success in the ever-expanding digital asset landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a non-resident open a Swiss bank account remotely in 2026?

Yes. Under FINMA Circular 2016/7 on video and online identification, Swiss private and commercial banks can onboard non-resident clients remotely using encrypted video verification and apostilled KYC documentation.

What is the typical minimum deposit for a non-resident Swiss private bank account?

Tier-1 Swiss private banks typically require CHF 1,000,000 to CHF 3,000,000 in bankable assets, specialized mid-sized private banks accept CHF 500,000 to CHF 1,000,000, and digital investment platforms accept CHF 50,000 to CHF 100,000.

How are client securities protected if a Swiss bank fails?

Under Article 37d of the Swiss Banking Act, custody securities—including equities, bonds, ETFs, and physical precious metals—are segregated off-balance-sheet and never enter the bank’s bankruptcy estate, while cash deposits are insured up to CHF 100,000 by esisuisse.

What is the difference between Form A and Form K under CDB 20?

Form A declares the ultimate beneficial owner of assets held personally or through a passive domiciliary company, whereas Form K identifies the controlling persons holding 25% or more of an active operating legal entity.

How long does Swiss bank compliance onboarding take for international clients?

Once a complete Source of Wealth and Source of Funds dossier is submitted, compliance verification and account activation typically require 2 to 4 weeks for personal accounts and 3 to 6 weeks for complex corporate structures.

Does opening a Swiss bank account trigger automatic tax reporting under CRS?

Yes. Under the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS), Swiss banks automatically exchange annual account balance and investment income data with the tax authorities of the account holder’s jurisdiction of tax residence.