Switzerland's SRO Model Allows Crypto Firms to Complete Compliance Admission Within 2 to 4 Months

Odaily News: Switzerland provides an anti-money laundering regulatory pathway for crypto firms through the Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) model. Smaller crypto exchanges, brokers, and custody wallet providers join SROs under the licensing framework of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), with SROs reviewing their anti-money laundering control measures.



When engaging in financial intermediary activities in Switzerland—such as token exchange, client wallet custody, or payment token issuance—crypto firms must either obtain a full FINMA license or join an SRO. VQF, PolyReg, ARIF, and SO-FIT oversee the majority of crypto activities. After firms submit their business plans, organizational structures, and anti-money laundering procedures, reviews are typically completed within 2 to 4 months.



In early 2026, PolyReg, VQF, ARIF, and SO-FIT jointly raised the minimum regulatory standards for virtual asset service providers, covering transaction monitoring, blockchain analysis, and technical controls. At the end of 2025, the Swiss Federal Council launched a consultation on new license categories under the Financial Institutions Act for crypto custody, trading infrastructure, and payment instrument issuance.