Performances
RD Popularity Index
RD Growth Index
Comparison
Fundraising
Follow Updates
Follow Lists
People
About Relai
Relai is a Swiss-based Bitcoin-only app offering simple buy/sell services with self-custody wallets. Users can purchase BTC via SEPA bank transfers, cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, and set up recurring savings plans. Its core value lies in combining regulatory compliance (MiCA license in the EU, VQF membership in Switzerland) with non-custodial design, addressing the pain point of exchange hacks or fund freezes. The app solves the dilemma where beginners find self-custody too complex while centralized platforms pose trust risks.
In the past six months (Feb-Aug 2026), Relai focused on user onboarding improvements. According to App Store updates, new EU users can now complete sign-up without uploading proof of address documents, and address auto-suggestions were added during registration. These changes streamline the KYC process while maintaining compliance. No major negative events were reported during this period, though the mandatory KYC requirement (effective since late 2024 under MiCA) remains a point of criticism for privacy advocates.
In the past six months, Relai's key progress: 1) EU MiCA compliance: Relai EU SASU obtained a MiCA license from France's AMF in late October 2025, enabling passporting across the EU. After the MiCA transition period ended on 1 July 2026, it continues serving EU users without interruption. 2) EU user accounts moved from Switzerland to the EU, bringing instant SEPA transfers, significantly higher buy/sell limits, and a fixed price at order placement. 3) Hardware wallet integration: users can connect signature-enabled Bitcoin wallets such as Ledger, Trezor, BitBox, and Coldcard directly to the Relai app; Bitcoin bought via one-time or auto-invest orders lands directly in self-custody cold storage. Official future focus: building on the MiCA license to complete passporting notifications and expand services across EU member states, while continuing to develop self-custody and cold-storage features. Relai says the hardware wallet integration is just the start, with more similar updates in the coming months.
Adem Bilican: Co-founder & CTO. Previously built scalable systems; leads tech at Relai.
Julian Liniger: Co-founder & CEO. Founded Relai in 2020; Forbes 30 under 30; advocates Bitcoin self-custody.
Imrich Bábics: Chief Growth Officer. Ex-Bitpanda marketing head; drives growth and EU expansion.