Bitpanda, a leading European cryptocurrency platform, has officially secured approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), paving the way for its expansion into the British market. With this regulatory milestone, the company can now offer UK investors access to crypto trading, staking services, savings plans, and crypto indices.
Recognizing the UK as a crucial financial hub, Bitpanda aims to establish a strong presence by opening a permanent office and expanding its local team. The company sees the UK as a key market for its growth, aligning with its ambition to become Europe’s leading crypto platform. According to Eric Demuth, Bitpanda’s CEO and co-founder, entering the UK was never in question but rather a natural step in its expansion strategy.
Founded in Vienna in 2014, Bitpanda has evolved into a major fintech unicorn, offering an extensive range of digital assets. The platform supports over 500 cryptocurrencies, as well as stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), precious metals, and commodities. In addition to its headquarters in Vienna, Bitpanda operates offices across Europe in cities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, and Bucharest.
Bitpanda’s regulatory approvals extend far beyond the UK. The company holds a MiCAR license from Germany’s BaFin, a PSD2 e-money license, a MiFID II license, and VASP registrations across multiple European countries. These licenses reinforce its reputation as a fully regulated and compliant digital asset provider, catering to both retail and institutional investors.
In January 2024, Bitpanda introduced Bitpanda Wealth, a dedicated trading platform designed for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, external asset managers, and corporate treasuries. This move signaled the company’s focus on institutional crypto services, positioning itself as a comprehensive financial technology provider.
Another key component of Bitpanda’s ecosystem is Bitpanda Technology Solutions (BTS), an infrastructure provider that enables financial institutions to integrate digital asset services seamlessly. BTS is already collaborating with major European banks, including LBBW, RLB, and N26, offering regulated trading, investment, and custody solutions. Now, British financial institutions can also leverage BTS to incorporate digital assets into their offerings.
Beyond its expansion plans, Bitpanda is reportedly working with global financial giants such as Citigroup and JPMorgan on strategic options, including a potential sale or an initial public offering (IPO) in Frankfurt. According to sources familiar with the matter, any deal could value the company at a minimum of $4 billion, with a potential transaction expected as early as 2025.
With its FCA approval, Bitpanda is now well-positioned to tap into the UK’s financial market, offering both retail and institutional investors a secure and regulated platform for digital asset trading. As the company continues to expand, its next steps could significantly shape the European crypto landscape, with an IPO or acquisition marking a major milestone in its journey.
