Category II: Digital Assets

Dirk Klee, Country Head for Switzerland, Blackrock

Under Dirk Klee’s leadership, Blackrock Switzerland played a key role in launching the new «iShares Bitcoin ETP» – a milestone that provides institutional investors in Europe with regulated access to bitcoin investments. The ETP structure uses a Swiss SPV, is exempt from stamp duty, and combines cold-storage custody with an ultra-low fee structure. For Klee, the product is a new bridge between the digital and traditional financial worlds. → to the finews article

Lidia Kurt, CEO, BX Digital

Lidia Kurt is responsible for BX Digital, the first Finma-approved trading and settlement platform for blockchain-based digital assets in Switzerland. The platform uses publicly available smart contracts (Ethereum) and integrates directly with the SNB’s SIC payment system – including settlement in central bank money. The project not only marks a technological milestone but also aims to fundamentally reshape Europe’s financial market infrastructure. → to the finews article

Rino Borini, Entrepreneur and Program Director, HWZ Zurich

At HWZ Zurich, Rino Borini oversees Europe’s first CAS course focused exclusively on the bitcoin economy. The program targets financial professionals and delivers hands-on knowledge about bitcoin as a currency, investment asset, and component of strategic allocation. In addition to technology and market insights, the curriculum also covers compliance & regulation, business models, and treasury applications – laying an academic foundation for bitcoin expertise in finance. → to the finews article

Stephan Zwahlen, CEO, Maerki Baumann

Under Stephan Zwahlen’s leadership, Swiss private bank Maerki Baumann launched its new crypto brand «ARCHIP by Maerki Baumann» in March 2024. The initiative consolidates the bank’s entire digital asset offering – from custody to trading to tailored investment products such as the «ARCHIP Crypto Certificate». Zwahlen’s move reinforces the bank’s ambition to be a digital asset pioneer for high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients in Switzerland. → to the finews article

Alexander Thoma, Head of Digital Assets, Postfinance

In January 2025, Alexander Thoma and his team introduced native Ethereum staking at Postfinance. The institution is now the first systemically important Swiss bank to offer customers staking functionality. Clients can stake their Ethereum holdings directly via E-Finance and the Postfinance app – fully regulated, with direct blockchain staking and transparent reward reporting in account statements. The service expands the bank’s 2024 digital asset offering and positions PostFinance as an innovator in foundational digital infrastructure. → to the finews article

On the next page: see who’s nominated in the «Traditional Assets» category and vote for the winners.