---
title: "Architect of Ticino’s Crypto Hub Joins Private Bank"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/271912520.md"
description: "BIL Suisse has appointed Paolo Bortolín as Director of Business Development at its Lugano office, effective January 2026. Bortolín, previously Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the City of Lugano, played a key role in establishing Lugano as a blockchain and crypto hub. He will focus on developing the bank's business with high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs in the blockchain and digital assets sector. His extensive experience in banking and corporate finance is expected to enhance BIL Suisse's capabilities in serving clients in this space."
datetime: "2026-01-08T09:58:54.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/271912520.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/271912520.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/271912520.md)
---

> Supported Languages: [简体中文](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/271912520.md) | [繁體中文](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/271912520.md)


# Architect of Ticino’s Crypto Hub Joins Private Bank

BIL Suisse has appointed **Paolo Bortolín** as Director of Business Development at its Lugano office, effective January 2026. With this move, the Swiss unit of Banque Internationale à Luxembourg gains a seasoned expert at the intersection of the public sector, the financial marketplace, and digital innovation.

Bortolín previously served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the City of Lugano and played a central role — working closely with Mayor **Michele Foletti** — in the strategic positioning of the Ticino city as a blockchain and crypto hub.

**Focus on crypto clients**

In this role, he was closely involved in shaping the city’s Blockchain & Crypto Task Force and helped drive initiatives such as the internationally recognized «Plan ₿» as well as the issuance of the world’s first native digital municipal bonds.

At BIL Suisse, Bortolín is expected to apply his experience to further developing the bank’s business with high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs — particularly clients active in the blockchain and digital assets space.

**«Extensive experience and strategic vision»**

«Paolo’s extensive experience and strategic mindset will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our capabilities in serving high-net-worth individuals and successful entrepreneurs active in the blockchain industry,» **Sascha Wullschleger**, Head of BIL Suisse Lugano, is quoted as saying in the statement.

The new Director of Business Development brings more than 20 years of experience in banking, corporate finance, and financial management. He studied at the University of Fribourg and the University of California, Berkeley, and previously held senior positions in Swiss banking, including serving as Regional Head of Ticino Retail Banking at a major bank.

## Related News & Research

- [US debt surge puts TLT stock at risk amid rotation to BIL ETF](https://longbridge.com/en/news/280790997.md)
- [XRP Has Cratered in 2026, and the Crypto Rebound Everyone's Waiting for May Never Come](https://longbridge.com/en/news/280999334.md)
- [Three stocks to buy as investors flee this $3 trillion shadow market](https://longbridge.com/en/news/280916159.md)
- [Booker on Trump paying TSA: 'Why didn't he do this weeks ago'](https://longbridge.com/en/news/280917023.md)
- [Trump Asks Congress To Pass Clean Reauthorization Of FISA Spy Powers](https://longbridge.com/en/news/280911811.md)