PostFinance AG, Switzerland's state-owned bank, has launched Ethereum staking services for its customers, marking a major step forward in mainstream crypto adoption. The announcement comes less than a year after the bank first began offering cryptocurrency trading and custody solutions.
The new staking service allows PostFinance customers to generate passive income by depositing their Ethereum holdings directly through the bank's e-finance platform and mobile app. The bank has implemented native staking, which operates directly on the Ethereum blockchain to maximize security and transparency.
"We're expanding our crypto service and introducing staking. This will allow our customers to generate passive income by depositing cryptocurrencies," PostFinance announced via social media. The bank claims to be the first systemically important financial institution to offer crypto staking services.
Dr. Alexander Thoma, head of digital assets at PostFinance, emphasized the security aspects of their implementation: "The staking service is based on native staking, which takes place directly on the Ethereum blockchain and thus offers maximum transparency and security."
While starting with Ethereum, PostFinance plans to expand its staking offerings to include other cryptocurrencies in the future. The bank currently supports trading and custody for 11 different cryptocurrencies through its partnership with FINMA-regulated digital assets platform Sygnum.
This development reflects Switzerland's broader embrace of cryptocurrency innovation, particularly through initiatives like the "Crypto Valley" in Zug. The country has positioned itself as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, with other major Swiss financial institutions like Zurich Cantonal Bank also entering the digital asset space.
The integration of staking services into PostFinance's existing banking infrastructure allows customers to monitor their staking rewards alongside their other crypto assets, providing a seamless experience for users new to cryptocurrency staking.
As Switzerland's banking sector continues to expand its cryptocurrency services, PostFinance's latest move represents a notable step in bridging traditional banking with decentralized finance technologies.