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Swiss cantonal bank BancaStato has launched cryptocurrency trading and custody through digital asset bank Sygnum and banking software provider Avaloq.
Eligible customers of the Ticino-based bank can now buy, sell and hold Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin and Solana through BancaStato’s existing web and mobile banking applications. The service launched on July 23.
BTC, ETH, LTC, and SOL Enter BancaStato Apps
Clients can place market orders by specifying either the amount of cryptocurrency or its value in U.S. dollars. Their digital asset balances appear alongside traditional investments within BancaStato’s existing banking interface.
The integration means customers do not need to open and manage a separate account on a crypto exchange. BancaStato remains the client-facing bank, while Sygnum provides the trading and custody infrastructure behind the service.
Sygnum API Connects to Avaloq’s SaaS Environment
BancaStato connected Sygnum’s business-to-business application programming interface directly to Avaloq’s SaaS banking environment.
Orders are executed through Sygnum without requiring BancaStato to install a separate order management system.
The companies said the structure reduces operational complexity and keeps trading functions integrated with the bank’s existing risk controls.
Crypto Assets Are Held Off Sygnum’s Balance Sheet
Sygnum also safeguards the crypto assets through its institutional custody system.
The bank said client assets are held off Sygnum’s balance sheet under applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
That structure gives clients additional asset separation if the custodian enters bankruptcy.
BancaStato Joins 25-Plus Sygnum Partners
BancaStato is the first bank using Avaloq’s SaaS environment to offer crypto purchases, sales and custody through a direct Sygnum API connection.
It joins more than 25 banks and financial institutions using Sygnum’s platform, including PostFinance, Zuger Kantonalbank, Bordier & Cie and VZ VermögensZentrum.
Sygnum says its partner-bank network now gives more than one-third of Switzerland’s population access to digital asset services.
Fees and Future Tokens Remain Undisclosed
The launch announcement did not disclose trading fees, minimum order sizes or plans to add more tokens.
Those product terms and any future asset expansion remain subject to BancaStato’s customer conditions and risk controls.
