The Swiss banking sector is facing the challenge of a dynamic and digital market environment. Technological innovations, changing customer expectations, and competition from FinTech’s are putting traditional business models under pressure, where banks have to find new ways to remain efficient, meet customer needs, and stay competitive. Digital platforms offer promising opportunities in this context. They enable integration of services and encourage collaboration among stakeholders. In other industries, platforms have already demonstrated their potential, examples like Uber and Airbnb have disrupted transportation and hospitality, while platforms such as Amazon and PayPal have reshaped retail and payments. Similarly, in banking, Open Banking showcases how platforms can drive innovation, create seamless customer experiences, and improve operational efficiency. But are platforms the right solution for banks? This question needs a detailed perspective. Platforms can create value but also bring challenges like regulatory requirements, cybersecurity risks, and legacy system integration.

This study combines literature, interviews, and case studies to uncover critical factors that influence the successful integration of digital platforms in Swiss banking. This research highlights challenges in integrating platforms into financial systems, emphasizing strategic agility, technology, and regulatory frameworks.

It identifies critical success factors for platform adoption in Swiss banks, linking theory with practice. The research concludes that successful platform adoption hinges on three main pillars: strategic agility to adapt to evolving market conditions, robust technological infrastructure to ensure seamless integration, and compliance with a dynamic regulatory environment to build trust and safeguard operations. This study provides Swiss banks with practical recommendations to enhance resilience and maintain competitiveness in the digital era.