Bitcoin Suisse Pulls Banking License Application After Negative Feedback

FINMA cited money-laundering defense "weaknesses" as one reason for the license denial.

AccessTimeIconMar 17, 2021 at 11:34 a.m. UTC
Updated Aug 19, 2021 at 8:06 a.m. UTC

Presented By Icon

Election 2024 coverage presented by

Stand with crypto

Cryptocurrency trading platform Bitcoin Suisse AG withdrew its application for a Swiss banking license after being told it was unlikely to be approved.

  • According to the the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), the Zug-based financial services providers' application is ineligible for approval, the regulator announced Wednesday.
  • Providing few details, FINMA cited a number of "elements that are relevant under licensing law," such as "weaknesses in money-laundering defense mechanisms," as the reason for the negative feedback.
  • As a result, Bitcoin Suisse indicated it would not be continuing with its application at the present time, the regulator said.
  • The company applied for a banking license in July 2019.
  • The firm raised more than CHF 45 million (US$48.5 million) in Series A funding in July 2020, which it claimed pushed its valuation to CHF 302.5 million ($327 million).
  • Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
    13:18
    Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
  • Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
    05:10
    Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
  • The first video of the year 2024
    04:07
    The first video of the year 2024
  • The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
    40:07
    The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
  • CORRECTED (March 22, 14:14 UTC): Makes clear that the company withdrew its application after being told it was unlikely to be approved and that the application was not rejected.)

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.