BitGo Unites Custody and Trading Under MiCA for Institutional Confidence

BitGo has taken a significant step forward in the European crypto market by securing approval from Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) to offer regulated crypto trading services. This development allows BitGo Europe GmbH, the firm’s Frankfurt-based subsidiary, to operate under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), enabling it to provide both over-the-counter (OTC) and electronic trading for thousands of digital assets and stablecoins. The move aligns with BitGo’s broader strategy to offer a comprehensive suite of regulated services, including custody, staking, and transfers, consolidating its position as a full-stack provider in the institutional crypto space.

This expansion is particularly timely for institutional investors, such as pension funds and asset managers, who are increasingly seeking secure and regulated avenues to enter the crypto market. BitGo’s regulated ecosystem enables these clients to access deep liquidity and efficient execution without sacrificing asset protection or regulatory compliance. By keeping assets in cold storage under MiCA-compliant custody, BitGo reduces the operational complexity and counterparty risks often associated with multi-platform trading and custody operations.

Brett Reeves, BitGo’s Head of European Sales and Go Network, emphasized the platform’s advantages, stating that combining institutional-grade custody with high-performance trading execution gives clients access to a secure and competitive environment. “We are thrilled to bolster our European platform and enable our clients to trade seamlessly, competitively, and confidently,” Reeves said. The integration of custody and trading services under a single, regulated framework is a key differentiator for BitGo, positioning it as a direct competitor to established players like Coinbase, Kraken, and Bitvavo, which have also obtained MiCA compliance.

BitGo’s approval from BaFin also places it within a growing group of EU-regulated crypto service providers offering a full range of digital asset services. Other notable names include Bybit, Gemini, and exchanges based in Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Netherlands. This regulatory alignment is expected to increase confidence among European institutional investors and support the broader maturation of the digital asset ecosystem in the region.

The approval reflects broader trends in the European crypto landscape. MiCA has created a regulatory environment that fosters innovation while ensuring financial stability and investor protection. By establishing uniform rules across the EU, MiCA enables service providers like BitGo to operate seamlessly across borders with a single license. This harmonization reduces the fragmentation that previously hindered market growth and encourages institutional adoption of crypto as a legitimate asset class.

BitGo’s move also highlights the evolving relationship between regulation and innovation in the crypto industry. As the EU continues to refine its regulatory framework, firms that proactively align with MiCA standards are likely to lead the market. BitGo’s expansion into regulated trading services under MiCA demonstrates how companies can leverage regulatory clarity to build scalable and secure infrastructures, ultimately supporting the long-term growth of the digital asset ecosystem.