Blockchain Compliance and Regulatory Challenges in the Swiss Banks in a Global Setting

The PhD thesis explores the legal risks associated with the implementation of blockchain technology in the banking sector, with a particular focus on Swiss financial institutions. As blockchain continues to disrupt traditional banking infrastructures, it introduces a range of complex legal challenges—spanning regulatory compliance, data protection, cross-border transactions, smart contracts, and the classification of digital assets. This research aims to systematically analyze these risks in the context of both domestic and international legal frameworks. By investigating how existing laws apply to decentralized systems and identifying potential legal gaps, the thesis provides critical insights into the regulatory uncertainties banks face when adopting blockchain. Furthermore, it evaluates the role of global standard-setting bodies and national regulators in shaping the legal environment. Through this legal risk analysis, the thesis contributes to developing practical guidelines for banks seeking to integrate blockchain technologies while maintaining legal certainty, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance.