For the second time, the «Swiss Crypto Awards» were presented at the Finance 2.0 Conference. The jury, consisting of renowned experts such as Tina Balzli, Marc Degen, Daniel Diemers, Adriano Lucatelli, George Grivas, Mathias Ruch, and Lidia Bolla, selected the winners through a multi-stage process.

The «Swiss Crypto Awards» were established to recognize outstanding achievements in the Swiss crypto and blockchain industry and to promote trust and recognition within both the traditional financial world and the digital assets sector. «The Swiss Crypto Awards are not only a recognition for the winners but also a testament to the growing trust and collaboration in the entire Swiss crypto and financial industry,» says founder Rino Borini.

And these are the winners:

1. Winner of «Best Crypto/Digital Assets Offering»: PostFinance

This category honors the financial service provider in Switzerland that offers the best and most innovative crypto services such as custody, brokerage services, or other services, and generally provides access for customers to this asset class. The nominees were: BX Digital, PostFinance, and Sygnum.

PostFinance won the race. It is the first systemically important bank in Switzerland to successfully provide its customers with access to crypto assets. Its solution is integrated into e-banking and therefore does not feel like a foreign element.

2. Winner of «Best Crypto Investment Product»: CV VC

The award for «Best Crypto Investment Product» celebrates the top crypto investment product in Switzerland. Criteria include the product's innovative nature, structure and implementation, as well as its risk-return profile. The product's sales activities must be focused on Switzerland. Nominees in this category were Amina Bank, CV VC, and Sygnum.

CV VC took the prize. CV VC has been honored for its investment product (AMC), one of the first of its kind on the market, which invests in blockchain-based applications. The jury praised CV VC's AMC for creating a platform that combines innovation with investment opportunities in the blockchain world. The product's structure and international approach were deemed exemplary.

3. Winner of «Best Crypto Startup»: Relai

The «Best Crypto Startup» category honors a Swiss Bitcoin/crypto startup that effectively solves a customer problem, demonstrates an innovative approach, shows initial success, and impresses with a convincing team. The nominees were Relai, Safe, and Thor Wallet.

Relai wins the award for simplifying Bitcoin access to many investors and setting new standards with its app. The jury highlighted Relai's success and expansion, stating, «Their success and growth demonstrate the enormous potential of Swiss crypto startups.»

4. Winner of «Crypto Shaper 2024»: Mathias Imbach

The «Crypto Shaper 2024» category honors individuals who have significantly contributed to the success of Switzerland as a leading blockchain nation. The nominees were Marc Dambacher (CEO Incore Bank), Mathias Imbach (CEO Sygnum), and Stephan Zwahlen (CEO Maerki Baumann).

Mathias Imbach has been honored for his pivotal role in co-founding Sygnum in 2017, one of the first crypto banks with a banking license, and leading it as CEO since then. The jury remarked, «Mathias Imbach has made Sygnum a key player in crypto banking with his vision and leadership.» His work is recognized as a vital contribution to strengthening Switzerland as a blockchain nation.

5. Winner of «Jury Excellence»: Swiss Blockchain Federation

Click to enlarge (Image: zVg)

This special jury award honors a person or institution that has achieved something extraordinary for the Swiss crypto and blockchain industry.

This year, the award goes to the Swiss Blockchain Federation. The organization has been promoting Switzerland as a blockchain hub for years. According to the jury, in 2023, the Federation «provided valuable foundations for the Basel Crypto Standard and FINMA’s supervisory notice on staking.» They further noted, «Under the presidency of Zug's government councilor Heinz Tännler, the Swiss Blockchain Federation has laid the groundwork for a strong and sustainable blockchain industry in Switzerland through its continuous efforts.»