Blue Bird Capital

Whether navigating a #mountain trail in the Alps, hiking through an equatorial rainforest or building a financial institution, one element stands out as a silent #protector: guardrails Designed to shield and guide, they are placed not to restrict but to safeguard the journey for those who rely on them. As we have noticed on our hikes, in the natural world, guardrails have become an increasingly common feature. They prevent accidents, ensuring adventurers can enjoy the experience safely without straying into dangerous territory. In the financial world, #regulations serve a similar purpose. Imposed on banks, these guardrails - whether in the form of #consumer #protection laws, #AML / #KYC / #CFT protocols, or transparency requirements - exist to protect the ultimate end-user: the #consumer. Guardrails, whether physical or regulatory, are not obstacles - they are #enablers. They make it possible to enjoy the journey, whether scaling a mountain, hiking a forest or navigating complex financial systems, with confidence and peace of mind. Join our roped party: ⛰️🚶🏻➡️🥾 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝘀❗ We regularly share insights from our latest project, setting up a #bank in #Liechtenstein, and our experiences from scaling the #Alps.

Whether you’re navigating rugged #mountain trails or running a #bank, #preparation for the #unexpected is key: Just as hikers pack essentials for emergencies, #banks must equip themselves to weather disruptions. Here’s how 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (#BCP) in hiking mirrors the strategies we use in #banking. On our hikes we bring for instance: - 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗶𝗱 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝘀 & 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀: In hiking, a first aid kit, space blanket, and water filter are non-negotiable. They prepare you for injuries, cold, or dehydration. For a bank, the equivalent might be a robust IT backup system or a comprehensive risk management plan—ready to “treat” any operational hiccups. - 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 & 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆: No hiker wants to be stranded with a dead GPS. Battery packs provide the backup needed to stay on track. Similarly, banks rely on redundant systems and failover mechanisms to ensure operations continue, even if the primary system fails. In our office we have installed a power protection system by the highly suitable name of PowerWalker. - 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Hikers study maps, plan for alternate routes, and watch the weather forecast. Banks, too, create contingency plans for scenarios like cyberattacks, market volatility, or operational disruptions, ensuring the path forward remains clear, no matter the storm. The parallels are striking: whether on the trails or in banking, #preparation minimizes risks and ensures continuity. Both require forward-thinking, adaptability, and the right tools to navigate challenges. Follow us: ⛰️🚶🏻➡️🥾 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆❗ We regularly share insights from our latest project, setting up a #bank in #Liechtenstein, and our experiences from scaling the #Alps.

We love #hiking - whether it's through the snow-covered Alps or the buzzing rainforests of #Singapore. Interestingly enough, when #trekking through nature or building a financial institution, one constant remains: #surveillance. It is a passive yet pervasive force, shaping behaviors and ensuring safety in both realms. In the financial world, #banks operate under the watchful eyes of #regulators, #auditors, and advanced systems for #AML, #CFT, and #KYC. This surveillance is intended to serve as an unobtrusive safeguard, ensuring #trust, #transparency, and the #integrity of the financial system. Similarly, hiking in today’s world is no longer a purely solitary or unmonitored experience. Trails are increasingly dotted with cameras for #safety, environmental conservation, and even research. These devices observe without interfering, maintaining a silent vigilance over nature and its visitors. As we reflect on the parallels between these two worlds, it becomes clear that surveillance is not just about #oversight - it’s about fostering trust and protecting what matters most. Whether hiking through scenic trails or building a bank, we are part of systems designed to safeguard the journey for everyone involved. Join our roped party: ⛰️🚶🏻➡️🥾 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝘀❗ We regularly share insights from our latest project, setting up a #bank in #Liechtenstein, and our experiences from scaling the #Alps.

What does choosing a #core #banking #system have to do with choosing the right #spork? Quite a bit as we figured out: Recently, we found ourselves comparing sporks (yes, sporks!) for a #hiking trip while working on a much weightier decision: choosing the right core banking system for our #banking #startup #project. Believe it or not, the thought process was remarkably similar. Implicitly went through many questions: Does the spork need to be as light as possible? How about heat resistance? What about additional functionalities? Does it have to be durable? And so on. Similarly, we have evaluated many #tools on our project, from #communication, #projectmanagement, #design, #LLM-tools, #lowcode #platforms down to 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀. In all cases, our train of thought is strikingly similar as we ask: - Which #purposes should the tool serve? - Do you need #flexibility? - How important is #reliance? - How about its #availability? - What’s the #budget? - What can be said about #safety / #security? - Will it perform well under #pressure or #heavyuse? - How much #maintenance is required over time? - What are the #tradeoffs between #simplicity and advanced #functionality? - etc. Basically, the only difference is the depth: whereas a 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 can be sufficient to choose the optimal 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗸 for the occasion, we use 𝗱𝗼𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 to select the optimal 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺. ⛰️🚶🏻➡️🥾 Join our roped party: 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 LinkedIn❗ We regularly share our insights from our latest project, setting up a #bank in #Liechtenstein, and our experiences from scaling the #Alps.

Building a bank from scratch has taught us that standing out isn’t just about technology or products—it’s about what truly resonates with people. Whether it’s seamless digital experiences, a customer-first mindset, or something entirely unique, we’d love to hear your thoughts via the poll below! Alternatively drop your own creative ideas in the comments ✏ #BankingInnovation #CustomerExperience #FutureOfBanking #UniqueSellingPoint #ModernBanking #BuildingFromScratch

Founding a #bank is a lot like hiking up a #mountain #trail. At first glance, they seem worlds apart, but both require 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 to keep going when the path gets steep: When you're #hiking, it’s not just about the #summit—it's about the journey, the fresh air, the sense of accomplishment, and the teamwork at each step. Similarly, building something as ambitious as a bank isn't just about launching a product; it's about the 𝗪𝗛𝗬. The parallels? 𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 Whether it's the peak in the distance or the goal of creating a sustainable, future-ready financial institution, your #vision is your North Star. 𝟮. 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 Reaching the next ridge on a hike is like achieving a project #milestone. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small—they’re proof you’re making progress. 𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 The challenges—the unexpected storm on the trail or the regulatory hurdles in banking—test your #resilience and #creativity. Overcoming them is where growth happens. 𝟰. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆 No one of us hikes just for the Instagram shot at the top, and no entrepreneur succeeds chasing purely external rewards. It's the #passion for the process - whether it’s solving problems, creating value, or making an #impact - that fuels #success. So, whether you're lacing up hiking boots or diving into the complexities of founding a bank, remember this: The toughest parts of the journey often lead to the most fulfilling views - whether it's clouds from above, wonderful views, or a heaven full of stars at night. ⛰️🚶🏻➡️🥾 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 - Follow us on LinkedIn❗ We regularly share our insights from our latest project, setting up a bank in #Liechtenstein, and our experiences from scaling the #Alps.

Thrilled to join the Swiss Business Council United Arab Emirates! We at Blue Bird Capital AG are delighted to announce our membership in the #SwissBusinessCouncilUAE . As we intend to strengthen our ties within the vibrant Swiss and Emirati #business #communities, the SBC UAE offers an incredible platform for collaboration, innovation, and fostering connections with like-minded organizations in one of the world’s most dynamic economic hubs. At Blue Bird Capital, we are not only committed to building #banks and #financialinstitutions, but also bridges between markets, exploring sustainable #growth #opportunities, and driving impactful initiatives. Being part of this #network will undoubtedly amplify our efforts and create new avenues for growth and partnerships. We look forward to engaging with fellow members, exchanging ideas, and contributing to the shared mission of advancing business excellence❗ Thank you, Urs Stirnimann! 🙏🏻 https://lnkd.in/dgaybyac

This picture taken on a hiking tour in the #SwissAlps last autumn symbolizes our approach to #banking #compliance like no other: #Compliance is at the center of everything we do. 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. Incompliance would not only jeopardize whatever #license you have to conduct business in no time, but first and foremost it would put the hard-earned #money of your #clients at risk. At the same time, we want to keep compliance from becoming a big distractor or burden for the client. We believe in embedding it into our systems, processes, and know-how, instead of making it an insurmountable hurdle that sticks out. Similarly, you can see our #HeadOfCompliance, Nicolas Graber in the center of this photo. He's present, attentive, and observing without being a distractor. That's our approach to regulatory compliance. 😉 Follow us: ⛰️🚶🏻➡️🥾 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆❗ We will share our insights from our latest project, setting up a #bank in #Liechtenstein, and our experiences from scaling the #Alps.

#Winter has arrived. While the cold season doesn't slow down our project of creating a new #bank in #Liechtenstein, it does slow down our #hiking activities: #Snow has fallen to lower altitudes. This, combined with the short daylight, makes it nearly impossible to go on extensive tours nowadays. But it's also an important reminder of the #circles of #influence that apply to hiking as they do to creating a new #financialinstitution. #Control: This innermost circle represents what we can directly control, i.e. our actions, decisions, and responses. #Influence: This middle circle includes what we can influence but not fully control, like relationships, work projects, or team dynamics. #Concern: The outermost circle covers everything we are concerned about but can’t influence, such as global issues. When it comes to #hiking, we have to accept that we can neither influence the #weather nor the hours of #daylight we enjoy. We ought to accommodate the circumstances, yet limit the time spent on these issues as we can't control them. Similarly, when building a new #bank we need to accept that we cannot influence the #laws and #regulations our project is subject to. We are bound to ensure that all laws and regulations are met at all times, but we have to restrict the time we lament these matters as we can't influence them. In this way, we ensure to work as efficiently and effectively as possible. Follow us: ⛰️🚶🏻➡️🥾 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆❗ We regularly share insights from our latest project, setting up a #bank in #Liechtenstein, and our experiences from scaling the #Alps.

At Blue Bird Capital AG we love building #financial #institutions. And we love #hiking. Guiding an #investor successfully through a #bank founding #project is a matter close to our hearts. In fact, we see it similarly important to get up and down a #summit safely. Yet, we are not omniscient. Therefore, we also obtain guidance from trusted #experts and #tools, should we deem them necessary. When hiking it can be a mountain guide or a compass. When building a bank it can be the #regulator, #lawyers, #marketing #experts and project management tools, among others. ⛰️🚶🏻➡️🥾 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 and follow us here on LinkedIn❗ We regularly share insights from our latest project, setting up a #bank in #Liechtenstein, and our experiences from scaling the #Alps.