In another signal that traditional finance and digital assets are inching closer together, 3iQ Corp. has appointed Christophe Racine as Head of Business Development for Switzerland, covering the broader DACH region (Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein).

The Toronto-based digital asset manager—best known for launching some of the first regulated crypto investment funds in North America—is deepening its European ambitions. And with Racine, it’s recruited a heavyweight from both the old guard of finance and the new frontier of digital markets.

From Swiss Banks to Digital Exchanges

Racine brings nearly three decades of experience spanning investment management, wealth management, and private banking. Most recently, he led business development for SIX Digital Exchange (SDX), Switzerland’s regulated digital asset platform built by the parent company of the Swiss Stock Exchange.

Before that, Racine held senior roles at Swisscanto Asset Management, UBS, and several Swiss cantonal banks, grounding his digital expertise in the rigor of traditional finance. His blend of experience makes him an ideal bridge between institutions wary of crypto’s volatility and those eager to embrace blockchain’s efficiencies.

3iQ’s Institutional Playbook

Founded in 2012, 3iQ has long positioned itself as the institutional face of digital asset investing. The firm is behind landmark products such as the 3iQ Bitcoin Fund (TSX: QBTC) and Ether Fund (TSX: QETH)—among the first publicly traded crypto funds to win regulatory approval in Canada.

As European regulators tighten oversight and MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) reshapes the continent’s digital asset landscape, the DACH region is becoming a critical battleground for regulated providers. By expanding its Swiss operations, 3iQ signals that it intends to be a long-term player rather than a speculative entrant.

Bridging TradFi and DeFi

“We look for the best people in traditional finance to join 3iQ, and in Christophe we have found just such a person,” said Pascal St-Jean, President and CEO of 3iQ. He described the DACH region as “an important jurisdiction” in the company’s global strategy.

Racine echoed that enthusiasm: “The future of alternative investment solutions clearly includes digital assets,” he said. “3iQ has a well-established reputation as a regulated, innovative leader in the space, and I’m eager to build that presence in Switzerland and beyond.”

The move underscores a broader trend: as institutional adoption of digital assets grows, firms like 3iQ are staffing up with veterans who can speak the language of both bankers and blockchain developers.

Why It Matters

In an era where credibility often trumps hype, 3iQ’s decision to double down on European leadership—and do so with a seasoned Swiss insider—could pay off. Switzerland’s blend of regulatory sophistication and crypto-friendly policy makes it an ideal launchpad for expansion across continental Europe.

If 3iQ succeeds, expect to see more cross-pollination between traditional wealth management and tokenized assets—potentially redefining how institutional investors access digital value in the years ahead.