Background
Developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) is the first globally coordinated standard designed to ensure tax transparency for transactions involving Crypto-Assets. CARF establishes a unified system under which jurisdictions automatically exchange information on transactions undertaken by certain foreign holders.
Purpose
The primary objective of CARF is the prevention of tax evasion. By providing tax authorities with consistent and reliable insight into cross-border Crypto-Asset transactions, CARF supports the integrity of global tax systems and reduces opportunities for opaque or unreported activity in decentralized markets.
Implementation
Due Diligence:
Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) must identify Crypto-Asset Users and collect specified information about them and their transactions. This includes e.g. verifying user identity, tax residency, and the type of transactions.
Reporting:
CASPs are required to report information on transactions with Crypto-Assets from certain foreign Crypto-Asset Users once a year.
Global Participation
More than 50 countries have committed to implementing CARF, reflecting broad international alignment on the need for enhanced transparency in digital asset markets. Several jurisdictions intend to bring CARF into force from 1 January 2026.
Switzerland postpones the implementation of CARF for Crypto-Assets
Switzerland is postponing the implementation of CARF for Crypto-Assets, originally set for 2026.
On 3 November 2025, the Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxation (WAK) of the National Council decided, not to activate the reporting framework for Crypto-Assets (MRK/CARF) with any partner jurisdiction for the time being.
As a result, on 26 November 2025, the Federal Council decided that the provisions relating to Crypto-Assets in the Federal Act on the International Automatic Exchange of Information in Tax Matters (AEOIA) and the AEOI Ordinance will not apply in 2026.
CARF is expected to be implemented in Switzerland in 2027.
Summary
CARF represents a significant step towards enhancing global tax transparency in Crypto-Asset markets. Whilst numerous jurisdictions will activate CARF from 1 January 2026, Switzerland has postponed implementation of the reporting framework for Crypto-Assets.
