The sustainable neobank radicant is closing after less than two years of operation. Alpian, a subsidiary of Intesa Sanpaolo, will welcome clients in a transition planned for April 2026.
The Swiss neobank sector is experiencing another major shake-up. On December 16, 2025, radicant bank AG and Alpian officially signed an agreement enabling the transfer of radicant's approximately 20,000 clients to Alpian's platform. This announcement follows radicant's decision, announced on November 11, 2025, to cease operations and return its banking license to FINMA.
The End of an Ambitious Journey
Launched with the ambition of offering a fully sustainable and digital bank, radicant ultimately lasted less than two years. The closure decision was made in coordination with Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB), its majority shareholder, as part of an orderly process ensuring full protection of client deposits.
"This decision wasn't taken lightly," explains Bruno Meyer, CEO of radicant. "However, we've found the ideal solution for our clients with Alpian, who will continue to benefit from innovative digital banking services."
Alpian: A Solid Player for the Future
Alpian is no stranger to the Swiss banking landscape. This 100% digital bank, licensed and supervised by FINMA, is part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, one of Europe's largest banking groups. Its positioning combines everyday banking services, premium investment offerings, and personalized support from experts.
"We're delighted to welcome radicant's clients," says Gianmarco Bonaita, CEO of Alpian. "Our platform is designed to meet the expectations of modern customers seeking innovation and excellence."
A Transition Scheduled for April 2026
Both banks have established a detailed transition timeline:
- December 2025: Agreement signed by both Boards of Directors
- January-March 2026: Progressive communication to 20,000 clients and regulatory approval process
- April 2026: Completion of the transition
The stated goal is service continuity without interruption. Clients will be able to maintain their usual banking operations throughout the transition period.
What Does This Closure Mean for the Swiss Market?
Radicant's closure is part of a broader consolidation trend in the European neobank sector. Several factors explain these difficulties:
1. A Demanding Swiss Market The Swiss banking market remains dominated by well-established legacy players. Capturing market share requires massive investments and highly differentiated positioning.
2. High Compliance Costs Obtaining and maintaining a Swiss banking license involves strict and costly regulatory requirements, particularly difficult to absorb for a young company.
3. Profitability: A Major Challenge Like many neobanks, radicant likely encountered difficulties achieving profitability despite growing client numbers.
Lessons Learned
This consolidation isn't an isolated case. Across Europe, several neobanks have had to revise their ambitions, close, or be acquired. Key takeaways include:
- Differentiation isn't enough: Radicant's sustainable positioning, while appealing, didn't create a sufficient competitive advantage
- Financial strength is crucial: Without a shareholder willing to invest heavily long-term, growth remains limited
- Timing matters: In a context of rising interest rates and tightening financing, young fintechs are particularly vulnerable
This radicant bank closure represents a significant moment in Swiss digital banking history, highlighting the challenges facing sustainable finance-focused neobanks.
What's Next?
For radicant's clients, the Alpian agreement represents a reassuring continuity solution. Alpian offers a mature, regulated platform backed by a major European banking group.
For the Swiss neobank market, this closure confirms that only players with substantial financial resources and solid business models can establish themselves sustainably against traditional banks.
The Swiss neobank landscape continues to evolve through consolidation and focus on profitable models.