Financial Innovation at the starting blocks: Establishment of the FIND Innovation Sounding Board

Eva Selamlar
Eva SelamlarHead of FIND

The inaugural session of the Innovation Sounding Board (ISB) was convened this month, marking a significant milestone. A diverse group of seven members, encompassing representatives from the financial and fintech sectors, academia, and other experts in financial innovation, entrepreneurship, VC capital, platform and technology gathered in Berne. This marked the commencement of their voluntary consultative role with the Swiss Financial Innovation Desk (FIND), seeking to integrate FIND’s initiatives with external expertise and market insights.

FIND operates as the central hub for all matters related to financial innovation. The aim is to foster financial innovation in Switzerland, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the Swiss financial center.

The ISB's composition includes:

  • Martha Boeckenfeld, Web3 Advisor, UN Peace Ambassador

  • Johs. Hoehener, Fintech & DeFI Advisor

  • Nathan Kaiser, Attorney, Angel Investor, Start-Up Mentor

  • Jean-Philippe Lallement, Managing Director at EPFL Innovation Park

  • Igor Perisic, VP Engineering at LinkedIn, specializing in AI, Privacy & Data

  • Marianne Wildi, CEO of Hypothekarbank Lenzburg (Member of the BoD from March 2024)

  • Thomas Zurbuchen, Professor and Lead at ETHZ Space and former Head of Science at NASA

The ambition of FIND is supported by the dynamic input and pioneering spirit of leaders from various fields. Innovation thrives in an environment where curiosity, open-mindedness, and collaborative efforts converge to dismantle barriers and cultivate a culture of innovation.

FIND is delighted to have brought together such a distinguished panel of professionals. Their collective insights are crucial for achieving FIND's goal: concierging financial innovation at its peak.

About FIND

FIND is a project launched at the initiative of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) and the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) by order of the Federal Council. FIND will act as the catalyst for all matters relating to financial innovation in Switzerland. As such, it brings together innovation projects, research, investors, and authorities at national and international levels and facilitates dialogue between the various players. FIND aims to foster financial innovation in Switzerland, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the Swiss financial center. FIND operates as an independent unit within the State Secretariat for International Finance of the Federal Department of Finance.