FinTech Legal: Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies
FinTech Guide 2024 : Switzerland
Band 1
Contact number
+41 44 254 99 66About
Provided by MME Legal | Tax | Compliance
In order to successfully set up and operate crypto, blockchain or fintech services in Switzerland, regulatory burdens must be overcome, and compliance obligations be met. Therefore, MME has created its FinTech Team, led by Dr. Luka Mueller (Compliance), Dr. Andreas Glarner (Legal) and Thomas Linder (Tax), in order to combine knowledge from a legal, tax and compliance perspective and to assist crypto, blockchain or fintech clients in the management of complex projects. The team consists of more than 20 additional technology, banking, corporate law, distribution, tax, compliance and AML experts jointly providing solutions and expertise.
Since 2013 – when Ethereum Foundation was setup in Zug – MME has supported a significant number of projects in the FinTech community. New technologies, such as distributed ledger technologies (blockchain), new payment methods are part of the daily business. This assures that the legal expertise is combined with a thorough technical understanding of the technology underlying the client's business models.
MME has been advising various banks, brokers and financial market infrastructure providers (including exchanges) in the integration of digital assets into their systems and to obtain the required regulatory licenses in Switzerland.
MME is very proud to have served more than 50% of the Crypto Valley Top 50 and most of the Top 5 with its services.
MME is a founding member of the Crypto Valley Association and the International Token Standardization.
Chambers Review
MME is widely regarded for its work in this area, offering legal, tax and compliance advice to financial institutions and start-ups involved in cryptocurrency and blockchain-related projects. The firm is based in Zürich and Zug, and is well regarded as a pioneer in developing the legal side of crypto in Switzerland.
Work Highlights
- MME Legal advised Sygnum Bank on regulatory and compliance work concerning the structuring for its digital asset bank.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I find MME Legal Tax Compliance excellent to work with. They can always be relied on and they give sound advice. They are real FinTech experts."
"It's a big firm that is really in the blockchain space in Switzerland. They are extremely timely, their expertise stands out, and they are very solution-oriented."
"They were able to provide the full scope of services, including tax."
"I find MME Legal Tax Compliance excellent to work with. They can always be relied on and they give sound advice. They are real FinTech experts."
"It's a big firm that is really in the blockchain space in Switzerland. They are extremely timely, their expertise stands out, and they are very solution-oriented."
"They were able to provide the full scope of services, including tax."
Notable Practitioners
Andreas Glarner specialises in contentious and non-contentious intellectual property, information technology and data protection matters. He is highly experienced in handling blockchain technology applications and is well regarded for his crypto and NFT expertise.
"Andres Glarner provides extremely pragmatic, fast responses that are tailored to our needs."
"He's clearly an expert in this field."
Luka Müller-Studer is a founding partner of MME. He is a thought leader on complex regulatory compliance, AML, anti-corruption and general digital finance matters, including blockchain issues.
Ronald Kogens is a partner in the firm's financial services group with significant experience in distributed ledger technology in FinTech. He has in-depth knowledge of technology, IP and financial markets and advises on the legal and technical aspects of Web3 software protocols and applications.
"He is technically very sound. When I read his advice, it is very clear and the reasoning is very sound."
"Ronald Kogens is very good, practical, and does not waste your time."
"He's very fast, adaptive to all the different situations, very reliable, and I can always count on him. Ronald is customer-focused and is also very good in terms of the pure legal work."
Thomas Linder is a tax partner at the firm who regularly advises on FinTech matters, including those involving blockchain and crypto-assets.
"Whenever we had a request, he was always super-prompt to respond. My experience with Thomas Linder has been great."
"He's a tax mastermind and is very much driven by business needs. He always tries to find a good solution, is really hands-on, and understands the business well."
Ranked Individuals at
MME Legal | Tax | Compliance
Switzerland
Members
Provided by MME Legal | Tax | Compliance
Clients
Provided by MME Legal | Tax | Compliance
BProtocol Foundation
Custodigit AG
Daura AG
Falcon Private Bank
Golem Factory GmbH
MAMA Multichain Asset Managers Association
MKS Switzerland AG
Melonport AG
Metaco AG
Sygnum Bank AG
Xapo Group
Industries
Provided by MME Legal | Tax | Compliance
Banking
Finance