In a notable move, St. Galler Kantonalbank (SGKB), the fifth-largest cantonal bank in Switzerland, has embarked on a journey to expand its cryptocurrency services to a broader customer base. Teaming up with SEBA Bank, a FINMA-regulated digital asset specialist, SGKB is set to offer custody and trading services for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to Swiss clients.

Meanwhile, this partnership announcement marks a significant step in extending the reach of digital assets beyond wealthy clients to retail consumers, thus aligning with Switzerland’s ongoing adoption of digital assets.

SGKB Partners SEBA

St. Galler Kantonalbank, founded in 1868 and boasting 35 branches in eastern Switzerland, is venturing into the digital asset space, with the support of SEBA Bank. Meanwhile, the initial phase of this collaboration targets wealth-management clients, but the bank has plans to subsequently include retail customers and expand its cryptocurrency offerings.

According to Christian Bieri, SEBA Bank’s Head of Investment Solutions, additional cryptocurrencies and staking services are also in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, this move represents an evolving trend in Switzerland, where many banks are joining the crypto arena, extending their offerings to include retail consumers. In a recent interview, Bieri mentioned that SEBA Bank had onboarded its first bank with a retail focus, marking a significant development in the country’s digital asset landscape.

Also Read: EDX Markets Drops Bitcoin Cash (BCH) Amid XRP Listing Speculations

Growing Adoption and Competition

While St. Galler Kantonalbank is not the first to venture into retail crypto banking, the market’s size and the increasing adoption of digital assets provide room for multiple offerings. Notably, the intensifying competition in the digital asset space could further drive market growth and enhance adoption. This partnership is a testament to the evolving financial landscape, and it aligns with Switzerland’s position as a crypto-friendly nation.

As SGKB takes its first steps into the digital asset sphere, this partnership with SEBA Bank underscores its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, enabling its clients to integrate cryptocurrencies into their existing investment portfolios seamlessly. SGKB’s decision to add Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to its list of supported digital assets is a promising start, and plans for further expansion are in the works, depending on client demand.

The collaboration between St. Galler Kantonalbank and SEBA Bank represents a significant milestone in Switzerland’s digital asset adoption journey, making cryptocurrencies more accessible and inclusive for a wider range of customers.

Also Read: BitMEX’s Arthur Hayes Explains Why “It’s Time To Pump” Bitcoin

The post Swiss Bank SGKB Teams Up With SEBA For Retail Crypto Services appeared first on CoinGape.

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Filed under: News - @ November 2, 2023 10:17 am