AMINA Bank and Crypto Finance Showcase Real-Time Cross-Currency Settlement on Google Cloud

In a groundbreaking pilot project, AMINA Bank AG and Crypto Finance Group have successfully demonstrated how distributed ledger technology (DLT) can enhance traditional financial systems on Google Cloud’s Universal Ledger platform (GCUL). This initiative emphasizes Switzerland’s growing influence in modern payment infrastructure by showcasing efficient, compliant settlement processes.

Key Takeaways

AMINA Bank AG and Crypto Finance Group demonstrated a pilot project using distributed ledger technology (DLT) on Google Cloud.
The pilot featured near-real-time settlement of domestic fiat transactions while adhering to compliance and security standards.
Switzerland is emerging as a key player in advanced payment systems, leveraging programmable commercial bank money.
The pilot positions AMINA Bank for global scalability and illustrates DLT's transformative potential in finance.
Future phases will focus on expanding the platform to additional institutions and implementing live operations for cross-border payments.

Google, Self, Enterprise ZK Adoption

AMINA Bank and Crypto Finance Pilot Project Overview

AMINA Bank AG, a Zug-based crypto bank, and Crypto Finance Group have collaborated with several Swiss banking partners to complete a pilot project highlighting the potential of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in modernizing conventional financial frameworks. Conducted on Google Cloud’s Universal Ledger platform (GCUL), this pilot displayed the capability for near-real-time settlements of domestic fiat transactions among Swiss-regulated institutions, while ensuring compliance, security, and governance standards that align with commercial banking expectations.

The bank emphasizes that by integrating DLT within the existing banking infrastructure, the pilot illustrates how transaction settlements can be significantly expedited without the need for introducing new digital currencies or modifying supervisory frameworks, thus maintaining regulatory stability alongside meaningful innovation.

Switzerland's Emerging Role in Payment Modernization

Switzerland is establishing itself as a frontrunner in the development of next-generation payment systems. This pilot reinforces that position by showcasing how programmable commercial bank currency (wholesale) can be utilized effectively on GCUL for large-scale account-to-account transfers.

For financial institutions, this innovation presents an opportunity to minimize operational hurdles, lower funding expenses, and offer modernized client services across all sectors—retail, corporate, and institutional.

Franz Bergmueller, CEO of AMINA Bank, noted, “Google Cloud’s GCUL proves that introducing innovation and ensuring stability can go hand in hand. This pilot enables near-real-time, compliant settlements while operating within the existing banking framework… AMINA is uniquely positioned for global expansion, showcasing DLT’s capacity to revolutionize the financial landscape.”

Stijn Vander Straeten, CEO of Crypto Finance Group, added that this initiative signifies a pivotal moment for digital financial markets: “As the Currency Operator, we can establish a reliable foundation for digital payments and tokenized assets, reinforcing Switzerland’s position as a global leader in digital finance.”

Operational Architecture: Innovating Within Existing Structures

In this pilot, Crypto Finance Group acted as the Currency Operator, responsible for onboarding participants and ensuring compliance with transaction regulations. Settlement and payment execution were carried out directly between institutions on GCUL while maintaining their existing processes and regulatory commitments.

AMINA Bank and its partners integrated GCUL at the core level of their banking functions, offering select clients near-instant settlement and complete transparency without disrupting current deposit or lending activities.

Matt Renner, Chief Revenue Officer at Google Cloud, highlighted the importance of cloud-native financial systems: “This pilot illustrates how advanced technology can support near-instant, secure, and compliant payments while adhering to regulatory standards.”

Scaling Towards Cross-Border Payments and POS Integration

The high-performance architecture of GCUL allows for continuous 24/7 settlements for both traditional currency and tokenized assets. This capability enables banks to design new financial products, develop programmable payment flows, and enhance liquidity management in real time.

With the successful pilot phase concluded, the focus will now shift to expanding the platform, onboarding additional financial institutions, and moving from controlled testing to full-scale live operations.