1. Details of the New Service
2. Target Audience and Partners
3. Trend Towards Expansion of Crypto Services in Switzerland

Zurich Cantonal Bank (ZKB), Switzerland's fourth-largest financial institution, has announced the launch of crypto-focused services for its customers.

Details of the New Service

In a press release published on September 4, 2024, the bank detailed that these new services are fully integrated into its existing digital platforms, including ZKB eBanking and ZKB Mobile Banking. Customers can trade cryptocurrencies 24/7 directly through ZKB eBanking or ZKB Mobile Banking. Cryptocurrency holdings will be seamlessly integrated into the existing portfolio view, with initial offerings including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Target Audience and Partners

The new offering is not limited to the bank’s customers alone; it is also available to third-party banks through a business-to-business solution. This service will allow other Swiss banks to provide their clients with cryptocurrency trading and secure storage. According to the announcement, Thurgauer Kantonalbank is the first partner bank to adopt this service, and its trades will be executed through Crypto Finance AG, a subsidiary of Deutsche Börse Group. Alexandra Scriba, the bank’s Head of Institutional Clients & Multinationals, highlighted the high level of security provided by the bank’s new cryptocurrency services. She noted that the bank handles the secure storage of private keys, eliminating the need for customers and third-party banks to manage their own wallets or private key storage. Scriba also mentioned the potential for integrating additional currencies and applications in the future.

Trend Towards Expansion of Crypto Services in Switzerland

ZKB’s initiative reflects a broader trend among Swiss financial institutions to expand their cryptocurrency services. In July, Swiss digital asset bank Sygnum announced plans to expand into the European Union and Asia after a strong performance in the first half of 2024. Sygnum had reported a 500% increase in crypto derivatives trading, doubled spot trading volumes, and a 360% surge in loan volumes compared to the previous year. Martin Burgherr, Sygnum’s Chief Clients Officer, attributed this growth to the recent approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, marking a pivotal moment for the crypto sector in 2024.

ZKB's new service launch demonstrates the sustained interest of Swiss banks in integrating cryptocurrency solutions into their offerings. It also highlights the growing interest in cryptocurrencies within the financial sector and the efforts to ensure security and ease of use for their clients.