Radicant for Sale: BLKB Exits, What’s Next for Customers?
BLKB’s decision to withdraw from Radicant opens a new phase for the Swiss sustainable neobank. While this step raises legitimate questions for customers, it could also allow Radicant to reinvent itself with a partner more aligned with its mission. We review what this changes, or doesn’t change, for users.
In Summary
| Key points | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. BLKB withdraws | Radicant sale prioritized, otherwise possible closure |
| 2. No immediate impact | Services are operating normally |
| 3. Unique positioning | 100% sustainable digital bank (SDGs, ESG investments) |
| 4. Two outcomes | Either an acquisition or a gradual shutdown |
| 5. Customers affected? | Not for now, but to be followed closely |
What Exactly is Happening?
On September 23, 2025, the Board of Basler Kantonalbank (BLKB) announced its intention to completely withdraw from the Radicant project, its sustainable digital subsidiary. The priority objective is to sell Radicant to a new player. If this sale does not materialize within the set deadlines (not publicly specified), outright closure, via the return of the banking license, is on the table.
Why this Decision Now?
Despite recent progress (customer growth, development of solutions for SMEs), the BLKB board believes it is no longer the most relevant shareholder to carry out such an impact-driven digital project. The difficult merger with Numarics in 2025, which led to a significant depreciation in value, was a wake-up call. It also caused a series of departures within management, both at BLKB and Radicant.
Several governance points were questioned by an external report: vague separation of powers, excessive board involvement in strategic operations, insufficient reporting. This internal loss of confidence seems to have weighed heavily on the decision.
And for current customers? No immediate impact
Despite the announcement, Radicant’s service continues to operate normally. The application is active, services are maintained, and customer deposits are secure. As Marco Primavesi (Chairman of Radicant’s Board of Directors) emphasizes, “Radicant’s operational functioning is not affected by this decision” and “deposits are absolutely safe.”
There is no immediate change for account holders: withdrawals, payments, app access, Visa cards, and sustainable investments continue as before.
What to Do if You are Already a Radicant Customer?
No need to panic. Here are the essential points to keep in mind:
1. Services are operating normally
- The app, cards, payments, and investments remain active.
- Deposits are secured by the Swiss banking guarantee (up to CHF 100,000).
- No immediate changes are planned for customers.
2. Monitor the sales process
- BLKB is looking for a buyer. An official announcement will be made in the coming months.
- If the sale fails, the bank could cease its activities, but not overnight.
- In this case, a structured closure process would be implemented (with information and deadlines).
3. Consider diversifying if needed
- Radicant can be kept as a primary or secondary account, depending on usage.
- For more security or flexibility, one can open a complementary account with another Swiss neobank (Alpian, Neon, Zak, Yuh, etc.), without additional fees.
heyneo’s recommendation
If Radicant is used only for sustainable savings or as a complement to another account, no urgent action is required.
If it is our only bank account, an alternative can be opened in parallel, as a precaution.
A Neobank unlike any Other
Since its launch, Radicant has positioned itself as the first Swiss neobank focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It allows its users to direct their money towards responsible projects (equality, climate, education, etc.) while offering a clear and competitive fee structure.
→ Free account
→ Virtual card included (physical recycled plastic on request)
→ Sustainable investments from CHF 1,000
→ Modern mobile application
This “impact bank” positioning remains strong. It is not the quality of the service that is being questioned today, but rather its viability under the BLKB umbrella.
What Options for Radicant’s Future?
Two main scenarios are emerging:
A Successful Acquisition
A strategic player (start-up, banking group, impact fund, etc.) takes over Radicant to continue, or reorient, its model. This would be the healthiest option for users and teams. The technical foundation is already there, the product works, and the vision is clear.
➡ This could strengthen its agility and ability to innovate without the constraints of a cantonal structure.
The Gradual Closure
If the sale fails, the banking license could be returned. In this case, Radicant would begin an orderly exit from the market.
➡ This would not have an immediate effect on customers, but would eventually raise the question of transferring to another solution.
Conclusion
Radicant is going through a phase of strategic uncertainty, but remains operational and true to its mission. This situation is not without risk, but could mark a new, more agile beginning, better aligned with its ecological vocation.
At heyneo.ch, we continue to follow the situation closely — to inform you, guide you, and help you make the right choices.
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