Blockstream has launched a consulting business for financial institutions and opened a new office in Lugano, Switzerland, expanding its access to banks, asset managers and other institutions seeking Bitcoin-related infrastructure. The company said the Swiss base will connect clients with its engineering teams and support its broader European operations.
Services aimed at financial institutions
Blockstream Consulting Services will advise institutions from the initial assessment of a project through its design, integration and implementation. Its work will focus on Bitcoin-based financial infrastructure, including tokenized asset issuance, confidential settlement and related systems.
The offering is intended to cover both strategic and technical needs. Blockstream said its services will include technical strategy, system architecture, integration and implementation, drawing on expertise in cryptography, protocol engineering, security and financial technology.
The company has not disclosed pricing, the number of employees assigned to the Lugano office or any clients for the new consulting business. It said the office is open and that consulting engagements are available to institutions across Europe.
According to Bitcoin Magazine, the Lugano location will initially serve clients throughout Switzerland, including in Zurich, Geneva and Zug. Blockstream also plans to use the office as a base for client relationships, strategic partnerships and cooperation with financial and technology communities in the region.
Why Switzerland matters to the expansion
Blockstream described Switzerland as an important market because of its established banking sector and regulatory framework for digital assets. The company said the Lugano office represents a long-term commitment to the country and will help it serve markets where it sees demand for Bitcoin infrastructure.
Switzerland is also home to Zug’s “Crypto Valley,” a concentration of digital-asset companies. The source material notes that the country’s regulatory framework permits banks to hold and trade bitcoin for clients, a feature that has helped make it a significant location for digital-asset firms.
Peter Bain, Blockstream’s chief marketing officer, said the consulting operation and Lugano office would provide tailored Bitcoin solutions to financial institutions across Europe. Adam Back, the company’s co-founder and chief executive, said the next stage of Bitcoin adoption involves integrating the technology into existing financial systems.
Blockstream’s technology background
Founded in 2014, Blockstream develops products and services covering Bitcoin custody, settlement, payments, asset issuance and self-custody. Its technology portfolio includes the Liquid Network sidechain, Elements, Simplicity, Core Lightning, the Jade hardware wallet and the Blockstream App.
The company said its recent work includes the launch of Simplicity smart contracts on Liquid and the addition of Lightning support to Jade. It positioned this existing engineering experience as the foundation for helping institutions move from evaluating Bitcoin infrastructure to deploying it.
Current crypto market picture
Moneyiar market data at 08:24 on October 24, 2026, showed Bitcoin at $80,682.902298457, down 1.25% over 24 hours and 1.13% over seven days. At 08:23, Ethereum Name Service was $5.3209404778, down 5.06% in 24 hours and 5.87% over seven days.
Decentraland stood at $0.0803180469 at 08:24, declining 4.1% in 24 hours and 9.03% over seven days. Comedian was $0.0586381703, up 2.92% over 24 hours and 7.57% over seven days, according to Moneyiar data.
