Radicant bank ag announces the cessation of its banking operations, becoming the third Swiss neobank to disappear in 2025. Another setback for the Swiss fintech ecosystem.
A Definitive Decision After Failed Negotiations
On November 11, 2025, the board of directors of radicant bank ag officially confirmed an anticipated yet significant decision: the complete cessation of its banking activities. This announcement comes after Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB), the neobank's majority shareholder, decided on September 23, 2025, to end its involvement in the project.
Despite thorough examination of various sale and restructuring options, no viable solution could be found to ensure radicant's sustainability. The board of directors therefore decided to proceed with an orderly liquidation of the company, in coordination with BLKB.
What Happens to Customers and Their Deposits?
Good news for customers: their deposits remain fully protected. Marco Primavesi, Chairman of radicant's board of directors and BLKB board member, reassures: "Despite comprehensive measures and great efforts, radicant's continued existence could not be guaranteed. However, customer deposits remain fully protected."
The bank is currently working on migration solutions for its customers to other banking institutions. Bruno Meyer, CEO of radicant, states that "the search for optimal solutions for our customers is a priority, as well as the responsible support of our employees."
All commitments to customers, employees, and partners will continue to be honored during the transition period. Customers are being transparently informed about the next steps.
2025: A Dark Year for Swiss Neobanks
Radicant's closure is part of a series of failures hitting the Swiss fintech ecosystem hard. In 2025, three Swiss neobanks have closed their doors:
- Swiss4, which had ambitioned to revolutionize the banking sector with a collaborative approach
- Coop Finance+, the fintech initiative from retail giant Coop
- Radicant, the sustainable neobank launched with support from a cantonal bank
These successive disappearances raise important questions about the viability of the neobank model in the Swiss context, marked by strong regulation, established banking competition, and high operational costs.
Reasons Behind the Failure
Several factors explain the difficulties encountered by radicant and its Swiss counterparts:
Cost of Compliance: Obtaining and maintaining a Swiss banking license involves strict and expensive regulatory requirements, difficult to bear for a young structure in its growth phase.
Fierce Competition: The Swiss banking market is saturated, with well-established traditional players and international neobanks like Revolut or N26 that benefit from significant economies of scale.
Profitability Challenges: Attracting enough customers to reach the break-even point proves complex in a mature market where consumers remain loyal to their traditional banks.
Limited Investor Commitment: BLKB's decision to withdraw illustrates the difficulty for Swiss neobanks to convince their shareholders to maintain long-term financial support.
What Future for Neobanks in Switzerland?
These successive failures don't necessarily spell the end of the neobank model in Switzerland, but they force a rethink of strategies:
- Specialization: Rather than targeting the general public, focus on specific niches (SMEs, expatriates, cross-border workers)
- Partnerships: Collaborate with traditional banks rather than compete head-on
- Hybrid Model: Combine digital services with selective physical presence
- International Focus: Develop cross-border offerings to achieve critical mass
Radicant thus joins the neobank graveyard, reminding us that financial innovation doesn't always guarantee commercial success, even with support from recognized banking institutions.
Looking for a reliable neobank in Switzerland? Discover our complete comparison of Swiss neobanks still active in the market and their international alternatives available for Swiss residents.