Did your organization already identify the potential for Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)?

      Crypto assets, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, have emerged as an alternative asset class. This is reflected in new products from traditional financial service providers and portfolio allocations by institutional investors. 

      Among this innovation, new enterprise applications for the underlying blockchain technology gained relevance. This novel data processing structure has the potential to improve transparency and efficiency across legacy systems.

      The complexity arising from crypto assets and enterprise blockchain technology remain a key challenge for widespread institutional adoption. As organizations begin to grapple with this new technology, they need to account for the complex regulatory, tax, accounting, risk and compliance implications.

      Romano Feuerstein

      Director, Financial Services

      KPMG Switzerland

      Ina Hönig
      Ina Hönig

      Director, Financial Services

      KPMG Switzerland

      The financial sector needs to accept that DLT poses an actual opportunity in many use cases, specifically to enhance regulatory oversight and reporting as well as to facilitate effective compliance.

      Pascal Sprenger

      Partner, Head of Financial Services,

      Member of the Executive Board of Directors, KPMG Switzerland

      The State of Blockchain in Switzerland

      KPMG’s Blockchain Report 2024 provides an overview of the current landscape of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in the Swiss financial sector.

      • DLT Adoption – Uncover how DLT is transforming the Swiss financial landscape.
      • Regulatory Insights – Stay informed about key regulatory developments and their impact on the industry.
      • Tax Implications of Staking – Understand the challenges and opportunities for financial institutions and individuals.
      • Innovation in Audit – Discover how DLT is transforming audit processes and driving efficiency.

      Unlock valuable insights to position yourself for success in the world of DLT.

      KPMG Blockchain Report 2024

      KPMG Blockchain Report 2024

      The State of Blockchain in Switzerland

      DLT in the banking industry

      DLT in the banking industry 2023

      Advantages in the financial landscape

      Accounting for Bitcoin, Ethereum and their ETFs

      Our KPMG guidance “Accounting for Bitcoin, Ethereum and their ETFs” provides a concise overview of accounting practices for Bitcoin, Ethereum and their ETFs in the Swiss context. It summarizes key regulations under the Swiss Code of Obligations (SCO), Swiss Accounting Standards for Banks, IFRS and Swiss GAAP FER.

      The focus is on essential classifications, valuation methods and reporting requirements to ensure an accurate and compliant financial representation. For a deeper understanding of the main aspects of cryptocurrency accounting in the Swiss financial market, feel free to download the full guidance!

      Accounting for Bitcoin, Ethereum and their ETFs

      Accounting for Bitcoin, Ethereum and their ETFs

      Comprehensive Guide for Switzerland

      Our expertise for your journey in DLT

      The financial landscape is evolving, with the establishment of new investment products that cater to the growing interest in digital assets. Institutional investors are increasingly recognizing the potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, leading to strategic allocations in this emerging asset class.

      As digital assets gain traction, it is essential to be aware of the challenges and risks associated with this evolving market. Market volatility, regulatory considerations, and technological complexities require careful navigation and informed decision-making. Our experienced team understands these nuances and is equipped to guide you through the intricacies of digital asset investment. With in-depth market knowledge and a focus on risk management, we can help you make informed choices while maximizing the potential of digital assets and blockchain technology.

      We provide a range of specialized services tailored to the dynamic world of blockchain technology. As pioneers in the industry, we are committed to guiding your organization through the intricacies of blockchain adoption, enabling you to unlock its transformative potential. Our comprehensive service offerings cover a wide spectrum of areas, including strategic advisory, ESG support, treasury management, tax, accounting and legal advisory, audit services and cybersecurity. With our deep industry knowledge and expertise, we are poised to empower your organization with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the blockchain landscape successfully and drive unprecedented growth in this era of decentralized technologies.

      Cyber & Digital Risk

      Our services

      • Assessment of cyber resilience and digital risks, controls and vulnerabilities
      • Design and implementation of cyber resilience and digital risk control frameworks
      • Technical security testing of blockchain applications and infrastructure
      • Oversight of key signing procedures
      • Custody services for recovery key components

       

      Your benefits

      • Blockchain/DLT applications and infrastructure that is resilient against cyber and digital risks
      • Mitigation of risks of loss, theft or misuse of digital assets
      • Compliance with regulatory requirements
      Yves Bohren

      Partner, Cyber & Digital Risk

      KPMG Switzerland

      Legal Advisory

      Our services

      • Managing complex legal considerations with a company’s legal team and/or regulators
      • Navigating the developing legal and regulatory landscape to ensure compliance

       

      Your benefits

      • Legal certainty enables business opportunities and improves access to highly regulated institutions & institutional clients, capital markets and prospective investors
      • Early identification of legal obstacles saves costs
      • A solid legal framework ensures compliance and brings a competitive advantage
      Andreas Hagi

      Director, Financial Services

      KPMG Switzerland

      Treasury Management

      Our services

      • Selection and onboarding of digital wallet and payment providers for the purposes of enabling digital currency payments and collection
      • Advisory for blockchain operated transaction infrastructure (i.e. order-to-cash, procure-to-pay) 

       

      Your benefits

      • Transparent and educated selection of best-in-market providers for digital assets
      • Best-practice and compliant application of blockchain in intercompany and 3rd party disbursement
      Martin Thomas

      Partner, Head of Finance- and Treasury Management

      KPMG Switzerland

      Accounting Advisory & Assurance

      Our services

      • Financial accounting support considering unique characteristics of cryptocurrencies and blockchain transactions
      • Performance measurement & assurance
      • Creating accounting memos and transaction based documentation
      • Assistance with accurate financial reporting, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements that account for cryptocurrency holdings

       

      Your benefits

      • Compliance with national and international reporting standards. Solid and consistent reporting framework
      • Accounting support investments, staking rewards, NFTs under various local an international accounting principles
      • Performance assurance reports providing certainty for prospective investors
      • Improved access to capital markets
      Ina Hönig
      Ina Hönig

      Director, Financial Services

      KPMG Switzerland

      Tax Advisory

      Our services

      • Tax efficient structuring of transactions and business activities (e.g. ICO’s, crypto custody solutions, immigration step-up, data centers)
      • Qualification of tokens for Swiss tax purposes (Swiss withholding tax, Swiss VAT, Swiss stamp transfer tax, Swiss income taxes)
      • Qualification of intermediaries as securities dealers for Swiss stamp transfer tax purposes
      • Digital assets / transactions tax reporting & account statements
      • Tax treatment of investments in crypto assets by individuals

       

      Your benefits

      • Let us manage your taxes, so you can focus on growing your business
      • Legal certainty and compliance with tax requirements
      • Cost reduction and efficiency gains through automation of tax calculation and reporting
      Thomas Brotzer

      Partner, Head Financial Services Tax Switzerland, Global Head Insurance Tax

      KPMG Switzerland

      Licencing & Regulatory Compliance

      Our services

      • Support during the licensing process, with the SRO registrations and/or in the interaction with regulators
      • Support legal and regulatory compliance through out the full company life cycle
      • Set-up of products (e.g. funds, certificates, exchange traded products, etc.)

       

      Your benefits

      • Ensuring legal compliance and streamlining the licensing process
      • Have a trusted partner supporting you in establishing an excellent relationship with the regulator
      • Avoidance of penalties and legal consequences
      Romano Feuerstein

      Director, Financial Services

      KPMG Switzerland

      Business Strategy

      Our services

      • Assessment of business strategy and planning, as well was target operating model, including process design and implementation
      • Impact analysis and benchmarking of process design and outsourcing decisions
      • Market studies, assessment of service- and product design, and scenario planning
      • Support in technical implementation

       

      Your benefits

      • Enhanced operational efficiency
      • Competitive Advantage in the market
      • Mitigating risks associated with business strategy and operating model decisions
      • Strategic alignment leads to an overall better performance
      Taher Balafrej
      Taher Balafrej

      Partner, Digital Transformation

      KPMG Switzerland

      Financial & Regulatory Audit: Readiness & Delivery

      Our services

      • Financial, regulatory or license application audit
      • Acting as the dedicated internal audit function
      • Readiness assessments for new products, start-ups and ICO/IPO/SPAC
      • Independent review of the DLT setup at your company

       

      Your benefits

      • Early identification of gaps and weaknesses amplifying a smooth launch process
      • Mitigation of risks and costly delays within the approval process
      • Comply with audit requirements
      Romano Feuerstein

      Director, Financial Services

      KPMG Switzerland

      ESG Support

      Our services

      • ESG assessments and support regarding the firm’s ESG strategy
      • Implementation of sustainable technical solutions

       

      Your benefits

      • ESG compliance as requirement for business partners, enhancing reputation and stakeholder trust, risk management as well as access to capital
      • Cost savings through implementation of sustainable and efficient technologies
      Corina Wipfler

      Partner, Financial Services & Sustainability Services

      KPMG Switzerland

      Deal Advisory

      Our services

      • Deal structuring, mergers and acquisitions & due diligence services

       

      Your benefits

      • Mitigation of legal, due diligence & reputational risks
      • Profit from expertise and specialized knowledge to ensure a smooth and efficient transaction process
      • Financial and business risk mitigation
      Christian Hintermann

      Partner, Financial Services

      KPMG Switzerland

      IT ISAE Attestation

      Our services

      • We review and evaluate end-to-end processes, assessing risks and identifying relevant controls
      • We audit your controls following a risk-based approach in an efficient manner
      • We prepare the report in a way that is aligned with the relevant standards but also easy to understand

       

      Your benefits

      • Provide the required assurance to your clients
      • Better manage risks of outsourced services
      • Report (e.g. SOC 2/ISAE3000) containing an audit opinion, details of services provided, as well as results of testing
      Stefan Wälti

      Partner, Head of Assurance Technology

      KPMG Switzerland

      DLT will bring many transformational changes to the financial sector. Nevertheless, it will also be crucial to make these transformations secure and reliable by investing early into sound technical assurance.

      Dinkar Gupta

      Partner, Chief Information & Technology Officer

      KPMG Switzerland

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