Blockstream has launched a consulting business for financial institutions and opened an office in Lugano, Switzerland, the company said. The move gives banks, asset managers and other institutions direct access to Blockstream’s engineering teams and Bitcoin infrastructure.
The new unit, Blockstream Consulting Services, will support institutions through the evaluation, design and implementation of Bitcoin-based financial infrastructure. According to the company, the business will develop solutions for tokenized asset issuance, confidential settlement and related infrastructure, with services covering technical strategy, system architecture, integration and implementation.
Lugano office to cover Switzerland and support European operations
From Lugano, Blockstream plans to serve clients across Switzerland, including Zurich, Geneva and Zug. The company said the office will also function as a hub for its European operations, supporting client relationships, strategic partnerships and collaboration with the region’s financial and technology communities.
Peter Bain, Blockstream’s chief marketing officer, said Switzerland is an important market for the company because of its longstanding banking tradition and its supportive regulatory framework for digital assets. 「We look to provide regional expertise in markets where we see demand for Bitcoin infrastructure. Our consulting business, combined with our new office in Lugano, will bring tailored Bitcoin solutions to financial institutions across Europe.」
Consulting unit built around Bitcoin infrastructure for institutions
Founded in 2014, Blockstream develops technology and services across Bitcoin custody, settlement, payments, asset issuance and self-custody. Its products include the Liquid Network sidechain, Elements, Simplicity, Core Lightning, the Jade hardware wallet and the Blockstream App.
The company said it launched Simplicity smart contracts on Liquid this year and added Lightning support to Jade. Blockstream said the consulting business draws on that experience, with capabilities in cryptography, protocol engineering, security and financial technology. Its multidisciplinary teams will give institutions access to the firm’s technical staff from initial evaluation through deployment.
Adam Back says the next phase is integration with existing financial systems
Adam Back, Blockstream’s co-founder and CEO, said: 「The next phase of Bitcoin adoption is its integration into existing financial systems. Our extensive experience in Bitcoin cryptography, protocol development and engineering gives Blockstream the technical expertise to address the complexities of integrating Bitcoin into traditional financial infrastructure.」
Blockstream described the expansion as part of a long-term commitment to Switzerland and a broader strategy to establish a presence in key markets that can support institutional Bitcoin adoption. The company pointed to Switzerland’s role as a center for digital asset firms, citing Zug’s Crypto Valley and a regulatory framework that permits banks to hold and trade bitcoin on behalf of clients.
No pricing, headcount or client names disclosed
Blockstream did not disclose pricing for the consulting business, the size of the Lugano office staff or the names of any consulting clients. The company said the Lugano office is open and that consulting engagements are available to institutions across Europe.
This article first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and was written by Micah Zimmerman.
