Blockchain is seen as a technology with revolutionary potential. Many experts assume that it will also have a profound impact on the financial market. Some bitcoin applications have already been launched and others are in the pipeline. FINMA takes this as an occasion to shed light on the implications of blockchain from a regulatory perspective and will be holding a FINMA roundtable, addressed at market participants and experts interested in this topic, on 10 May 2017.
FINMA will provide an insight into the way that it deals with current practical applications of blockchain technology with a focus on virtual currencies. It will elaborate on its experience in assessing business models under supervisory law and explain the factors which can accelerate the assessment process. Together with market participants and experts, the roundtable will use practical examples as the basis for discussing the future role of blockchain technology in the financial market and the regulatory and other legal challenges which may arise from it.
Guests
Dr Veronica Lange da Conceição, Head of Innovation, Chief Technology Office, UBS
Luzius Meisser, board member of Bitcoin Association Switzerland and founder of Meisser Economics; Master's in Computer Science (ETH), Master's in Economics (UZH)
Prof. Rolf H. Weber, professor emeritus of the University of Zurich, co-director of the University Research Priority Program "Financial Market Regulation" and of the Center for Information Technology, Society and Law (ITSL), attorney-at-law at Bratschi Wiederkehr & Buob AG, Zurich.
The roundtable is addressed at market participants and experts interested in this topic and will take place in Bern.
Time: 13.00 – 17.00; location: Kursaal Bern. The roundtable will be held in German.
The number of participants is limited. A detailed programme will follow. Closing date for registration: 28 April 2017
