Your Complete Guide to Token Launches in Switzerland

Switzerland is a known powerful hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency projects thanks to its clear and Web3-friendly laws and regulations along with an overall supportive environment for innovative ventures. Launching a new token here can open doors not only to the necessary capital but also to an overall growth booster. For example, initial dex offerings (IDO) and initial liquidity offerings (ILO) are popular methods in the crypto space to raise funds for projects.

Swiss-based ventures enjoy a higher level of credibility due to Switzerland’s strong reputation globally as a leading financial center. At the same time, navigating the legal landscape around your token release is crucial to ensure a long-term success. This guide highlights the key legal steps to ensure a successful and compliant token launch in Switzerland.

Switzerland’s regulatory framework for creating tokens is mainly overseen by the following authorities and institutions:

• Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA): FINMA oversees financial markets and ensures companies follow Swiss financial market laws. When releasing crypto coins or tokens, you need to follow FINMA’s guidelines, especially the ICO guidelines from 2018. These guidelines are crucial for ensuring fundraising compliance, particularly for projects aiming to sell tokens or manage token creation on a blockchain network. For specific rules on stablecoins and blockchain-based infrastructure, refer to the FINMA Stablecoin Guidance.

• Self-regulatory Organisations for Anti-Money-Laundering (SRO or AML SRO): Companies that provide crypto-related financial services must adhere to anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations, which include robust client identification and monitoring procedures. By joining an SRO, businesses can ensure compliance without directly engaging with FINMA. SROs are responsible for overseeing their members’ adherence to AML standards. This system ensures flexibility and a structured approach to regulatory compliance.

FINMA classifies tokens into three main types, each with distinct regulatory implications for token creation and compliance.

As the name suggests, these tokens are used for payment, with Bitcoin (BTC) being one of the most prominent examples. For projects involving payment tokens, AML regulations are likely to apply, meaning robust KYC (Know Your Customer) processes must be implemented as required. When issuing tokens, smart contracts play a crucial role in ensuring compliance.

These tokens provide access to a specific purpose, application, product, or service within a blockchain. For example, a “GymPass Token” issued by a fitness platform may grant users access to specific services, such as booking workout classes or accessing exclusive fitness content. However, if the token includes a payment function, it may be classified as a hybrid token. Hybrid tokens fall under both payment token and utility token regulations, making it critical to follow combined guidelines for compliance. Tokenomics is often employed to design the functionality of such tokens effectively.

Asset tokens represent assets such as shares in companies, debt instruments, or rights to earnings or dividends. They are similar to traditional securities and are often used in fundraising models to attract investors and project developers. Compliance with securities laws is mandatory for these tokens, and the sales of tokens must follow FINMA’s strict guidelines. These tokens may also involve initial coin offerings or initial dex offerings, depending on the project’s fundraising strategy.

FINMA acknowledges that many tokens exhibit characteristics of multiple classifications. Hybrid tokens might serve both as payment methods and as a means to access services or represent investments. For example, they may have a fixed token supply for payments while also providing denomination in cryptocurrency for accessing services. Regulatory compliance becomes more complex for hybrid tokens, as they must adhere to rules across all relevant classifications.

Choosing the right legal structure is crucial for a successful token launch, as it influences compliance, fundraising strategies, and overall project development. Here are some common legal structures for launching tokens in Switzerland.

This structure is often used when supporting a decentralized network or protocol. Foundations are common for open-source blockchain projects that rely on utility tokens to encourage participation. Switzerland hosts multiple leading networks that have opted for the Foundation model, with the Ethereum Foundation being one of the most prominent examples. Foundations are ideal for ensuring the long-term sustainability of projects using smart contracts and tokenomics for governance and participation.

A Swiss Association is another popular legal structure for blockchain projects, especially for community-driven initiatives or decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. As a non-profit entity, it’s commonly used as a legal wrapper for DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations). Setting up an association is straightforward, requiring minimal capital and two founding members. This simplicity makes it an attractive option for projects aiming to raise funds through initial dex offerings (IDO) or initial liquidity offerings (ILO). Additionally, Swiss Associations can own assets and enter into contracts independently, making them highly flexible for token creation and management.

For-profit corporate entities, such as a GmbH or AG, are also viable structures for a token release. In such cases, the token launch may occur through a non-profit Swiss Foundation or Association, while the GmbH or AG acts as the operating entity (e.g., a DevHouse). These structures are suitable for blockchain projects looking to attract investors and project developers or integrate sales of tokens into their business model.

Foreign companies can set up a branch or subsidiary in Switzerland to benefit from its favorable regulatory environment for blockchain technology. For example, if your team is currently operating under an entity based in the Cayman Islands, BVI, or UK, establishing a Swiss subsidiary provides a more compliant and transparent setup for fundraising models.

By carefully selecting a legal structure, projects can position themselves for a compliant and successful token generation event, attracting investors and ensuring long-term sustainability within the competitive crypto space.

A white paper is a critical document, outlining the project’s objectives, technology, and business model. It provides potential investors and project developers with essential information about the token offering. Key details often included are the token’s utility, the technological framework, and the roadmap for project development. Additionally, the white paper may describe how the tokenomics will function and ensure that tokens are created to meet specific goals and regulatory requirements. Given the importance of transparency, the contents of a white paper carry legal significance and must align with both Swiss and EU regulatory standards when applicable.

In light of the newly introduced MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulations in the EU, Swiss-based entities may need to comply with both regulatory regimes. The EU’s MiCA regulation emphasizes transparency and investor protection, setting clear rules for sales of tokens. By comparison, Switzerland’s FINMA guidelines follow a more flexible, case-by-case approach, classifying tokens as securities, utility tokens, or payment tokens.

To handle these complexities effectively, consult legal counsel experienced in both jurisdictions. This will help ensure that your token launch meets the expectations of both regulatory bodies and results in a smooth public product release.

1. Use a coin list to stay informed about new coins and token presales.
2. Research new cryptocurrencies thoroughly and evaluate their crypto presale before investing, as your capital is at risk.
3. Focus on projects with strong marketing, transparency, and clear strategies.
4. Consider buying tokens during a crypto presale to access potential exclusive benefits.
5. Remember that investments are speculative, so always perform a detailed analysis before committing.

By following these steps, you can identify opportunities on the coin list in 2025 and benefit from a well-planned entry into the world of presale crypto.

A coin list is an indispensable tool for investors seeking new cryptocurrencies and exciting investment opportunities. Particularly during a token presale, such a list provides a structured overview of new coins and tokens that are either about to enter their crypto presale phase or have just been launched.

For meme coins, which are becoming increasingly popular, these lists are equally crucial. Projects like meme coin often have the potential to quickly gain market share if their marketing and community engagement are well-executed. These coins frequently offer access to exclusive features or unique projects that can set new standards in the industry.

Beyond the opportunity to buy tokens early, coin presales are especially attractive to investors willing to take risks in exchange for potentially high returns. However, it’s important to remember that investing is speculative, and your capital is at risk. For this reason, prospective investors should thoroughly research any new cryptocurrency featured on a coin list before deciding to take the next step and purchase tokens.

A professional coin list specializes in presenting projects with transparent strategies and strong teams. Whether it involves presale crypto or the chance to buy directly during a token presale, a well-researched list helps investors make informed decisions and recognize opportunities early.

Launching crypto tokens in Switzerland has many advantages, including clear regulations, strong investor protection, and opportunities to use blockchain technology in capital markets. As in any serious business deal, careful planning and compliance with Swiss laws are essential to the project success.