Country: 🇨🇠Switzerland
Our client is a major player in the international crypto space, a successful company with an annual turnover of approximately €500 million. They are navigating the complex world of digital assets from their licensed base in EU. However, a regulatory storm was brewing on the horizon that threatened to upend their entire operation.
The storm was named MiCA, the new European legislation set to transform the crypto landscape. With the end of the year fast approaching, the clock was ticking. Their existing EU license would soon be insufficient, and they faced the urgent need to migrate their entire client base to a more stable and future-proof jurisdiction: Switzerland.
There was no time to build from scratch; registering a new company and obtaining a license would take far too long. The only viable path was to acquire a ready-made, fully licensed Swiss company. Acting quickly, the client had sourced a potential deal in Geneva. But what looked like a solution was actually a trap. They were on the verge of committing to a company with prohibitively high monthly operational costs and were underestimating the treacherous process of an ownership transfer under the watchful eye of the Swiss regulator.
When the client came to us, we knew this was more than a simple brokerage deal; it was a rescue mission. Our first move wasn’t to sell, but to advise. We identified the significant financial exposure and regulatory risks of their chosen option, which enabled them to avoid an unfavorable commitment.
Then, we activated our network. Instead of scrolling through public listings, we tapped into our private connections to source an exclusive, off-market opportunity. We found a fully licensed company that was not only a better strategic fit but was also available on significantly more favorable financial terms.
With the right target identified, we moved to the most critical phase: managing the ownership transfer. This was the most delicate part of the journey. Our goal was to make the change of founders and directors so seamless and meticulously documented that it wouldn’t raise a single red flag with the regulator. We addressed the client’s biggest fear (losing the license during the transfer) by managing the process step-by-step with surgical precision. Because we had a full package of documents prepared in advance, the client was able to review and commit to this superior option in just 24 hours.
This was a strategic victory against a non-negotiable deadline.
Critical Deadline Met: The transaction was successfully completed before the end of the year, allowing for a smooth and uninterrupted migration of their entire client base.
Significant Financial Savings: The client acquired the ideal asset at a better price than their initial option, avoiding the long-term financial burden of the Geneva-based company.
Security and Compliance Assured: Our expert management ensured the ownership transfer was flawless. The crown jewel of the acquisition (the license) was preserved, and all regulatory risks were neutralized.
A Long-Term Partnership Forged: The success and efficiency of the deal solidified our role as a trusted advisor. We continue to work with the client on their ongoing operations, proving that the right strategic partner is invaluable in a high-stakes environment.
