- SIX, the Swiss stock exchange, is considering launching a crypto trading platform for institutional investors
- The move reflects Switzerland’s supportive regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies and digital assets
- SIX’s potential platform would target institutional clients, leveraging its global presence in Europe, Singapore, and beyond
According to the Financial Times, the Zurich Stock Exchange is considering entering the cryptocurrency world by proposing its own exchange. The situation is still evolving, and it’s unclear if, how, or when a product will be offered to investors.
This is still great news for the sector: cryptocurrencies and digital assets, in general, are recognized by one of the world’s most important exchanges as a legitimate asset class that can be alongside other historically more solid categories of securities.
SIX – the Zurich Stock Exchange – intends to leverage Switzerland’s favorable regulatory climate for the crypto world and use its position and reputation to enter a market with significant revenue potential. This is a position that has been discussed for some time.
Is the Swiss exchange coming too?
It might be the case, at least according to statements Bjørn Sibbern shared with the Financial Times. Speaking is the head of trading at one of the world’s most important exchanges, Zurich’s, which is indeed considering the possibility of offering crypto exchange services:
“Cryptos have become a recognized asset class […] we are examining the possibility of creating a platform that can facilitate trading, whether spot or derivatives.” Bjørn Sibbern, Global Head of Trading Division SIX
What is SIX?
SIX is the Zurich Stock Exchange and is one of the most important financial centers in the world. It trades all the major Swiss market stocks, as well as other types of securities, from bonds to various derivatives and funds.
It is one of the most relevant exchanges worldwide because it represents one of the planet’s most solid financial economies, in a country, Switzerland, where the crypto world opened up well ahead of other jurisdictions.
Not the first, and not the last
As the Financial Times reminds us, several companies of this caliber have already launched crypto and Bitcoin trading operations, such as CME, CBOE, Nomura, and even the German exchange, although they have kept these operations completely separate from their main markets.
SIX also intends to expand in Europe with all its services, which could include those dedicated to cryptocurrencies:
“We are evaluating other ways to expand in Europe and as part of this intention, we are considering whether crypto could be a part of this attempt.” Bjørn Sibbern, SIX
Who will the exchange be for?
Don’t expect an exchange that will compete with ByBit or other global crypto exchanges we use every day.
It will be a platform dedicated to banks and institutional investors. And it could build on SIX’s activities in Singapore, Japan, and Spain.
To be clear, it is the clients who, after the launch of ETFs, have started to show increased interest in the crypto world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Zurich Stock Exchange’s entry into the cryptocurrency world could open up new opportunities for the sector, especially for institutional investors.
It remains to be seen when and how SIX will move forward, but it is clear that crypto is increasingly gaining ground even in traditional markets.
