BitGo Wins German Approval to Launch Regulated Crypto Trading
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Crypto custody specialist BitGo has secured a green light from Germany’s financial regulator, BaFin, to move beyond custody and formally enter the trading business.
The extension of its license allows Frankfurt-based BitGo Europe to offer both over-the-counter transactions and an electronic trading venue, giving institutions access to thousands of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins under a regulated framework.
From Custody to Full-Service Trading
BitGo has been steadily building its European presence. In May 2025, the firm obtained a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license covering custody, staking, and transfers. The latest approval expands those services into trading, with liquidity sourced from market makers and exchanges directly integrated into BitGo’s cold-storage system.
“This step means clients can execute trades and keep assets safe without leaving the regulated custody perimeter,” said Brett Reeves, BitGo’s head of European sales.
Competitive Landscape
The move places BitGo in direct competition with other major players like Coinbase and Kraken, which already offer trading and custody in the region. Earlier this year, BitGo also announced a collaboration with custody provider Copper to expand its “in-custody” trading network, aiming to attract large exchanges into a ring-fenced environment.
Institutional Impact
For institutional investors, from pension funds to asset managers, the change could simplify crypto exposure. Instead of juggling multiple custodians and exchanges, they can now trade and settle within one MiCA-compliant system while benefiting from regulatory oversight.
“Institutions need deep liquidity and reliable execution, but they also need the assurance of regulatory oversight,” Reeves added. “We’re aiming to provide both in one place.”
Why It Matters
The BaFin approval highlights Europe’s maturing crypto regulatory environment and BitGo’s ambition to position itself as a one-stop shop for institutional investors. By combining custody with trading, BitGo is targeting one of the sector’s biggest challenges: making digital asset markets safer and more efficient for traditional finance.
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