Swiss Fintech Association and Swiss Finance + Technology Association Announce Merger
Zurich, December 18, 2024 – The Swiss Fintech Association (SFA) and the Swiss Finance + Technology Association (SFTA) today announced their merger to form Switzerland’s leading industry association. The merger was approved on December 18 by the general assemblies of both organizations at the request of their boards. Operating under the unified name Swiss FinTech Association (SFTA), the organizations will join forces to sustainably strengthen the growth, competitiveness, and innovative capacity of the Swiss fintech sector.
Doubling Impact through Combined Expertise
Both associations have significantly shaped the fintech landscape in recent years:
Swiss Fintech Association (SFA): Focused on advocating for its members’ interests with policymakers, regulators, and businesses. It established the Fintech Fair to showcase member innovations, foster dialogue, and enhance the global visibility of the Swiss fintech scene. Its membership base includes prominent companies from the Swiss fintech industry.
Swiss Finance + Technology Association (SFTA): Known for its vibrant network with active regional chapters regularly organising meetups and professional events. These activities have enabled members to learn from one another, initiate collaborations, and establish new business connections. Its members include fintech companies, individuals, and investors. The SFTA has also built numerous international partnerships with other fintech associations.
The merger provides members access to a broader network and combines the SFA’s advocacy expertise with the SFTA’s dynamic community platform. “We are convinced this merger represents a logical and consistent step forward,” says Thomas Brändle, President of the SFA. “Combining our competencies creates a stronger, unified voice for the interests of the fintech industry, giving us more influence with political and regulatory decision-makers.”
Strengthening the Entire Fintech Ecosystem
The merger creates a more comprehensive platform that benefits not only members but the entire Swiss fintech ecosystem:
Expanded Network: A larger membership base means more exchange, ideas, and synergies, leading to new projects and collaborations.
Enhanced Visibility: A strong, unified organization can advocate more effectively with policymakers, regulators, investors, and media, accelerating innovation, strengthening
Switzerland’s appeal as a fintech hub, and boosting global recognition of the Swiss fintech sector.
Expanded Events and Services: In addition to continuing and developing the Fintech Fair, regular decentralized meetups will be hosted nationwide. New formats are also planned to connect startups, established financial companies, research institutions, and investors more closely, intensifying knowledge and technology transfer.
“This merger creates a strong, unified voice that advances the Swiss fintech ecosystem. The Swiss FinTech Association (SFTA) will become an even more effective partner for members, market participants, and stakeholders, significantly contributing to the strength and development of Switzerland’s financial sector,” explains Philip Weights.
Broad Fintech Expertise in the New Board
The “Merger of Equals” will be led by Co-Presidents Thomas Brändle and Philip Weights and a balanced board representing both organizations. The board members bring extensive experience and a strong industry network. The new board consists of the following individuals:
Thomas Brändle: Co-founder of the Swiss Fintech Association, founder, and previous managing director of Run my Accounts.
Philip Weights: Former Senior Vice President of EFG Bank and previous management roles at HSBC and Citibank.
Silvan Andermatt: Active in numerous blockchain and fintech startups.
Roger Bossard: Founder, CFO, and COO of the crowd-lending platform Crowd4Cash.
Agata Marty: CEO of FINcredible.
Christian Meisser: Founder and CEO of LEXR, Switzerland’s largest law firm for tech companies.
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