Swiss Platform Shifts Crypto from Speculation to Real-World Financial Tool

TrustLinq, a Swiss-regulated financial intermediary, has launched a crypto-to-fiat payment platform designed to bridge the gap between cryptocurrency holdings and real-world spending. The platform enables users to send payments in over 70 fiat currencies to global recipients using their crypto assets, bypassing traditional banking infrastructure. This addresses a key market inefficiency: while over 580 million people hold cryptocurrency globally, less than 0.005% of businesses accept it directly according to the report. Operating under Swiss regulators, the platform uses bank-grade compliance and security automation to execute payments via local channels like SEPA, SWIFT, and ACH, or through a planned TrustLinq debit card (Q1 2026). Unlike existing crypto payment processors that require merchants to accept digital assets, TrustLinq allows seamless conversion of crypto to fiat, with funds deposited directly into the recipient's existing account.

The platform targets two primary market segments: individuals and businesses. For individuals, it enables crypto holders to pay for rent, tuition, leisure, and international transfers directly from their holdings. For businesses, it facilitates crypto-to-fiat payouts for vendor payments, international payroll, and operational expenses, particularly appealing to trading firms, affiliate networks, and e-commerce businesses that receive crypto as operational revenue. Sharon Gal Franko, TrustLinq's CEO, emphasized that the platform "changes how individuals and businesses use crypto in the real world, not through speculation, but through actual financial operations". The non-custodial model ensures users retain control of their funds, aligning with strict Swiss AML regulations.

Looking ahead, TrustLinq plans to expand its services with the launch of a debit card in Q1 2026, enabling global traditional merchant spending. This roadmap underscores the company's commitment to transitioning cryptocurrency from a speculative asset class into a practical financial instrument for daily operations and personal expenses according to market analysis. The platform's launch aligns with Switzerland's growing reputation as a hub for blockchain innovation, where the cryptocurrency market is projected to reach $466.6 million in revenue by 2026.