FinTech
FinTech (Financial Technology) refers to companies that offer financial services using innovative technologies — from payment processing and lending to asset management.
FinTech (Financial Technology)
FinTech is a collective term for companies that combine financial services with modern technology. The spectrum ranges from payment service providers (PSPs) and neobanks to robo-advisors, insurance startups (InsurTech), and lending platforms (LendTech).
In payment processing, FinTechs have fundamentally changed the industry: They offer faster onboarding, more transparent pricing, and more flexible APIs than traditional banks. Examples include Stripe, Klarna, Revolut, and — in the Swiss market — Payrexx, TWINT, and Neon.
In Switzerland, FinTechs are subject to FINMA supervision depending on their business model. Since 2019, there has been the FinTech licence (Art. 1b Banking Act), which allows the acceptance of public deposits up to EUR 100 million without requiring a full banking licence.
FinTech examples
TWINT is a Swiss FinTech that enables mobile payments via app — without a credit card, directly from the bank account.
Klarna is a Swedish FinTech that offers Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) as a payment method in e-commerce.
Neon is a Swiss neobank that offers a free bank account with app-based banking.
FinTech FAQ
What is FinTech?
FinTech (Financial Technology) refers to companies that offer financial services using innovative technologies. The spectrum ranges from payment providers and neobanks to lending platforms and insurance startups.
Is FinTech regulated in Switzerland?
Yes, depending on the business model, FinTechs are subject to FINMA supervision. Since 2019, there has been the FinTech license, which allows public deposits up to EUR 100 million without a full banking license.
Which well-known FinTechs exist in Switzerland?
The best-known Swiss FinTechs include TWINT (mobile payment), Neon (neobank), Payrexx (PSP), Yokoy (expense management), Loanboox (loan platform) and Descartes Finance (robo-advisor).
What is the FINMA FinTech license?
The FinTech licence (Art. 1b Banking Act) allows companies to accept public deposits of up to EUR 100 million without holding a full banking licence. It is considered a simplified entry into regulated financial services.
