Smart Valor’s Regulatory Breakthrough
On September 5, it was announced that Swiss blockchain startup Smart Valor received a thumbs-up from local regulators to operate in the financial market. This is a significant step, as Switzerland continues to position itself as a leader in blockchain technology.
Navigating Regulatory Waters
Unlike many of its counterparts, Smart Valor will be regulated by the local Financial Services Standards Association (VQF) rather than the national Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). The VQF has the authority, under FINMA’s auspices, to monitor compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. This regulatory alignment boosts Smart Valor’s credibility in the financial sector.
What’s Cooking at Smart Valor?
Smart Valor is gearing up to launch an online platform that will enable alternative investments, including cryptocurrencies, by the end of 2018. Not stopping there, the firm is also pursuing a banking license, which is expected to pave the way for offering securities investments by the mid-2019 timeframe. If you thought your investment options were limited before, think again!
Tokenization: The Future of Investing?
The founder of Smart Valor, Olga Feldmeier, shares an intriguing perspective on the potential of tokenization. She claims, “Tokenization transforms the way people own things, improves liquidity, and makes these investment opportunities accessible to a broader audience of investors.” Sounds fancy, right? Essentially, it could mean more people sneaking a slice of the investment pie!
Switzerland’s Blockchain Playground
Switzerland is not merely sitting back on its blockchain-savvy laurels. The country is actively creating legislation to embrace blockchain projects. For instance, the famed Crypto Valley situated in the canton of Zug is a hotbed of activity. Recently, the local government even experimented with blockchain technology for an online voting system, engaging a small group of citizens in the trial. Talk about 21st-century governance!
Looking Ahead
Since its inception in 2017, Smart Valor has been on a mission to revolutionize the traditional Swiss banking system. With the regulatory nod from VQF and plans for a multi-faceted investment platform, it seems they are well on their way to making significant waves in both the finance and blockchain spaces. Here’s hoping they don’t lose their way in the ever-turbulent waters of finance!