Switzerland’s SIX mulls crypto trading platform for institutional investors

The proposed platform from SIX would likely offer both spot crypto and derivatives trading, thus providing a comprehensive suite of services aimed at institutional players, including asset managers.

 Flag, Switzerland Flag

The Swiss stock exchange, SIX, is considering launching a cryptocurrency trading platform in Europe to tap into a market traditionally dominated by Binance, OKX, and Coinbase. The move aims to attract large institutional investors, using Switzerland’s progressive crypto regulations as a selling point. Bjørn Sibbern, the global head of exchanges at SIX, noted that crypto is increasingly recognised as a legitimate asset class. The platform would likely support crypto and derivatives trading, targeting institutional players such as asset managers.

While other traditional finance firms like Deutsche Boerse and Standard Chartered have ventured into crypto, many have hesitated due to unclear regulations. Despite this, Switzerland has positioned itself as one of Europe’s most crypto-friendly nations, with robust laws governing crypto trading, asset custody, and token classification.

SIX already operates AsiaNext, a crypto derivatives venture in Singapore, and is now exploring whether a similar platform could succeed in Europe. Though the initiative is still in consideration, it could mark a significant expansion for SIX, which already runs a digital exchange and has seen success with digital bonds since 2018.