BitGo Wins BaFin Approval to Offer Regulated Crypto Trading in Germany

Group 1: Regulatory Approval and Expansion - BitGo has received regulatory approval from Germany's BaFin to expand into digital asset trading, making it one of the few firms in Europe licensed for custody, staking, and trading under a single framework [1][2] - The approval allows BitGo Europe to offer both over-the-counter (OTC) and electronic trading for a variety of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, positioning it alongside competitors like Coinbase and Kraken [2][3] Group 2: Business Model and Market Position - The new authorization builds on BitGo's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license obtained in May 2025, enabling institutions to trade digital assets directly through BitGo's regulated platform while ensuring asset security in MiCA-compliant cold storage [3][4] - BitGo aims to provide deep liquidity and reliable execution for institutions, reducing friction for European pension funds and asset managers by allowing them to trade within its ecosystem without needing multiple exchange accounts [4] Group 3: Partnerships and IPO Plans - Earlier in the year, BitGo partnered with custody specialist Copper to create an "in-custody" trading network, facilitating asset transfers within a regulated environment [5] - BitGo filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in August, indicating a renewed interest in the digital asset sector, following similar moves by other crypto firms like Gemini and Grayscale [6] Group 4: Financial Background and Valuation - BitGo raised $100 million at a valuation of $1.75 billion in August, marking its first external funding round since 2017 [6][7] - The company previously attempted to go public in 2021 through an acquisition by Galaxy Digital, which was later terminated, leading to a lawsuit for breach of contract [8][10] Group 5: Strategic Collaborations - Despite a $100 million lawsuit between BitGo and Galaxy Digital, the two companies have reached an agreement for Galaxy to provide its blockchain staking services to BitGo Trust, allowing BitGo's institutional clients to earn staking rewards [9]