Zug, Switzerland, is not just the birthplace of chocolate and watches; it is also emerging as a pioneering hub in the cryptocurrency world. Recently, AMINA Bank AG, in collaboration with Crypto Finance Group and a consortium of Swiss banking partners, has successfully completed a groundbreaking pilot project that aims to revolutionize traditional financial infrastructure through distributed ledger technology (DLT).
📢 We’re proud to announce the completion of a successful pilot between AMINA Bank and @CryptoFinanceAG, together with other banking partners, using @GoogleCloudWeb3 (GCUL). Functioning as an orchestration layer that sits on top of current financial structure, the PoC created… pic.twitter.com/3ogALsAbeV— AMINA Bank (@AMINABankGlobal) November 26, 2025
This innovative pilot was facilitated through Google Cloud’s Universal Ledger platform (GCUL), showcasing the potential for near-instantaneous, around-the-clock settlements of domestic fiat transactions across Swiss-regulated institutions. By embedding DLT within the existing banking framework, this project not only quickens the settlement process significantly but does so while adhering to the rigorous compliance, security, and governance standards that commercial banking demands. In essence, it’s a leap toward innovation without the upheaval of regulatory structures.
Could this be a game-changer for Switzerland’s financial sector? The pilot indicates that it might just be. It solidifies Switzerland’s status as an increasingly vital player in the realm of next-generation payment infrastructure. By leveraging programmable commercial bank money (wholesale) on GCUL, financial institutions can facilitate account-to-account transfers at a scale that could dramatically alter the landscape of transaction processing. This, in turn, heralds a reduction in operational friction, lowered funding costs, and the possibility of offering enhanced client services that can cater to retail, corporate, and institutional clients alike.
Franz Bergmueller, CEO of AMINA Bank, expressed enthusiasm over the pilot’s results: “Google Cloud’s GCUL proves that innovation and stability can coexist. This pilot allows for near-instant, compliant settlements within the existing banking framework. AMINA is positioned to scale these operations globally, showcasing DLT’s transformative potential in the financial ecosystem.” His optimism reverberates a wider industry sentiment that the timing is ripe for such advancements.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Crypto Finance Group, Stijn Vander Straeten, emphasized the broader implications of this pilot: “We are at an inflection point for digital financial markets. As Currency Operator, we can establish a trusted foundation for digital payments and tokenized assets, thereby reinforcing Switzerland’s standing as a global leader in digital finance.” These sentiments underscore a pivotal moment in the industry—not just for Switzerland, but for the entire realm of digital finance.
Examining the operational framework of this pilot reveals a complex yet efficient architecture. Crypto Finance Group took on the role of Currency Operator, coordinating onboarding processes and ensuring compliance throughout the project. Settlement and payment execution occurred directly on GCUL, allowing institutions to maintain their existing processes and regulatory relationships without disruption.
A key aspect of this project is the seamless integration of GCUL at the core-banking level, offering select clients rapid settlement and transparency—all while keeping deposit and lending operations unaffected. Matt Renner, Google Cloud’s Chief Revenue Officer, highlighted the pilot’s significance, noting that it illustrates how advanced technology can empower secure, compliant payments that align with regulatory expectations.
The future looks promising as this collaborative effort positions itself to expand into the realm of cross-border payments and point-of-sale (POS) integration. The impressive architecture of GCUL not only supports continuous, 24/7 settlements for both traditional fiat and tokenized assets, but it also lays the groundwork for the development of innovative financial products, programmable payment flows, and real-time liquidity management.
As the pilot wraps up, the focus now shifts to scaling this revolutionary platform. AMINA Bank and its partners have set the stage to onboard additional financial institutions, transitioning from controlled testing phases to live operations, which could represent the dawn of a new era in banking.
In conclusion, the successful pilot led by AMINA Bank and Crypto Finance Group highlights a significant milestone in the adaptation of traditional banking systems to incorporate blockchain technology. This effort not only showcases Switzerland’s leadership in the crypto space but also paves the way for a future where digital and traditional finance coexist harmoniously. Keeping an eye on these developments can provide valuable insights into the evolution of financial systems worldwide.
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