Singapore- and Swiss-based Sygnum Bank emerges as an example of resilience and growth. The crypto bank has completed an oversubscribed strategic growth round, securing $58 million in funding – achieving a valuation of over one billion dollars.
The completion of Sygnum Bank’s strategic growth round, bolstered by the new cornerstone investor Fulgur Ventures, aims to fuel its ambitious expansion plans.
The proceeds will drive market entries across the European Economic Area (EEA) and Hong Kong, further expand its product portfolio and operational resilience, and enable strategic acquisitions. With over $5 billion in total client assets, Sygnum has firmly established itself as a global player in the digital asset ecosystem.
In a press release on Tuesday, CEO Mathias Imbach emphasizes the broader implications of Sygnum’s growth: «As Switzerland is currently losing ground to other jurisdictions as a preferred digital asset hub, we also must highlight the need for Switzerland to not ignore the importance of continuous innovation in the financial sector and to continue to attract talent and capital to remain relevant in the long-term.»
Soon in Hong Kong
While Sygnum celebrates its success, Switzerland faces mounting challenges. The US capital market – the world’s largest – is increasingly embracing crypto and digital assets, posing challenges to Switzerland’s competitive position.
Sygnum has so far not ventured into the US market. Instead, it focuses on growth regions such as Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and soon Hong Kong. The bank is also pursuing a Liechtenstein MICAR license, offering expanded access to European markets.
New Strategic Investor
Fulgur Ventures, a leading Bitcoin-focused venture capital firm headquartered in the U.S., played a pivotal role in the funding round. Founded in 2019, Fulgur specializes in supporting startups advancing Bitcoin and related technologies, such as the Lightning and Liquid networks.
Partner Oleg Mikhalsky said: «Sygnum’s market-tested infrastructure, digital asset-native team, and global ecosystem make them an ideal partner to co-develop innovative Bitcoin-related financial products and technologies.»
Fulgur’s involvement underscores the growing convergence of Bitcoin technologies with institutional financial markets, a trend Sygnum is well-positioned to capitalize on.
Trusted Leadership and Vision
Sygnum has built its success on a foundation of trusted institutional infrastructure and regulatory compliance. Co-founder and Group CEO Imbach remarked on the company’s mission: «Sygnum reaching unicorn status is a strong validation of our business model, strategy, and team. While it is an achievement we are very proud of, it won’t alter the values of integrity and humility that have guided us since day one.»
Meanwhile, Co-founder Gerald Goh, CEO of Sygnum APAC, highlighted the bank’s distinct position: «Offering trusted institutional infrastructure and regulated services for digital assets will continue to be the foundation for Sygnum’s future growth strategy.»
Future Prospects
With over 2,000 institutional clients across 70 countries and regulated operations in Switzerland, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, Sygnum is uniquely positioned to navigate the evolving digital asset landscape.
The bank’s robust product launches, such as the Sygnum Connect instant settlement network and Sygnum Protect which enables clients to trade on major crypto exchanges while holding their assets with Sygnum, reflect its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
Asked by finews.asia about future growth plans, Co-founder and Group CEO Imbach stresses the importance of scaling its business model while accepting that the future has heritage: «Further expanding our regulated footprint into new markets, as well as leveraging our digital asset investment solutions as institutional adoption continues to ramp up globally, are key drivers for our next phase. At the same time, we will continue to invest significantly in our operational resilience, including compliance and risk. The depth of our institutional crypto offering sets us apart from global competitors.»
Road Ahead
Sygnum’s remarkable trajectory offers a glimmer of hope for Switzerland’s financial center. However, as global jurisdictions increasingly adopt crypto-friendly policies, the Swiss financial industry must prioritize innovation, talent acquisition, and regulatory foresight to remain relevant.
Sygnum’s story is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets execution. For Switzerland, the challenge is clear: adapt or risk obsolescence in a rapidly transforming global financial landscape.
