Bitcoin infrastructure developer Blockstream has launched Blockstream Consulting Services to assist financial institutions with Bitcoin infrastructure design and deployment, while establishing a new European operational hub in Lugano, Switzerland.
Expanding European Operations in Lugano
The newly opened Lugano office will serve banks, asset managers, and institutional clients across Switzerland—including key financial centers in Zurich, Geneva, and Zug—as well as the broader European region. Through Blockstream Consulting Services, multidisciplinary teams of cryptographers and protocol engineers will support institutional clients through initial evaluations, technical strategy, system architecture, and technical implementation. Key focus areas include tokenized asset issuance, confidential settlement, and related Bitcoin-based financial systems.
"Switzerland is an important market for Blockstream given its longstanding banking tradition and supportive regulatory framework for digital assets," stated Peter Bain, Chief Marketing Officer at Blockstream. "We look to provide regional expertise in markets where we see demand for Bitcoin infrastructure. Our consulting business, combined with our new office in Lugano, will bring tailored Bitcoin solutions to financial institutions across Europe."
Leveraging Protocol Infrastructure Expertise
Founded in 2014, Blockstream develops technology across Bitcoin custody, settlement, payments, asset issuance, and self-custody. Its product suite includes the Liquid Network sidechain, Elements, Simplicity, Core Lightning, the Jade hardware wallet, and the Blockstream App. This year, the company launched Simplicity smart contracts on Liquid and added Lightning support to Jade.
"The next phase of Bitcoin adoption is its integration into existing financial systems," said Adam Back, co-founder and CEO of Blockstream. "Our extensive experience in Bitcoin cryptography, protocol development and engineering gives Blockstream the technical expertise to address the complexities of integrating Bitcoin into traditional financial infrastructure."
While Blockstream did not disclose pricing, headcount for the Lugano hub, or initial client names, consulting engagements are available immediately across Europe. The move arrives at a time when traditional entities track technical progress across the network, alongside developments such as Bitcoin Core disclosure policy updates and broader shifts in institutional crypto activity.
Key Takeaways
- New Advisory Arm: Blockstream Consulting Services offers technical design, architecture, and deployment support for institutional Bitcoin integration.
- Swiss Expansion: The new office in Lugano targets clients in Zurich, Geneva, Zug, and broader European markets.
- Infrastructure Focus: Services build upon Blockstream's existing stack, including Liquid Network, Elements, Simplicity, Core Lightning, and Jade.
Why It Matters
As institutional interest shifts from simple spot exposure to building direct protocol-level infrastructure, legacy financial firms face significant engineering complexity in handling cryptographic keys and sidechain settlements. Direct consulting from protocol developers provides a structured bridge between traditional banking systems and layer-2 Bitcoin networks. Furthermore, expanding physically into Switzerland allows Blockstream to leverage the country's regulatory clarity and proximity to established private banking networks.
