Robinhood Acquires Bitstamp for $200 Million to Expand Global Crypto Reach

Robinhood Markets, Inc. has finalized its acquisition of Bitstamp, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, for $200 million. The deal, initially announced in June 2024, was completed on May 2, 2025, and was fully funded in cash. Bitstamp, based in Luxembourg, has a strong international presence and a loyal customer base, making it a strategic asset for Robinhood's expansion into the global crypto market.

Bitstamp, established in 2011, is one of the oldest and most reputable crypto exchanges, holding over 50 licenses and registrations worldwide. The exchange serves over 5,000 institutional clients and 50,000 retail customers. This acquisition provides Robinhood with a robust platform that has a proven track record of security, compliance, and significant liquidity. Johann Kerbrat, the general manager of Robinhood Crypto, highlighted that the acquisition will accelerate Robinhood's growth and expand its crypto offerings both in the US and globally. He also mentioned that Robinhood is open to additional crypto acquisitions if they can expedite the company's growth.

The acquisition includes over 50 operational licenses and licenses-to-be in Europe, the UK, Asia, and the US, allowing Robinhood to legally operate in numerous new markets. While Robinhood's crypto business is primarily limited to the United States, Bitstamp's presence in Luxembourg, the UK, Slovenia, Singapore, and the US provides Robinhood with an immediate foothold in Europe and Asia. Robinhood has already begun integrating Bitstamp's platform, connecting it to Robinhood Legend and its Smart Exchange Routing trading system for enhanced trade execution.

Bitstamp generated $95 million in revenue for the 12 months ending April 30, 2025. In the first quarter of 2025, Robinhood's crypto business earned $252 million. Robinhood anticipates spending an additional $65 million on Bitstamp-related expenses through the remainder of 2025, including technology integration, marketing, and operations. This acquisition is part of Robinhood's broader strategy to become a global crypto powerhouse, serving both individual users and professional and institutional traders. Additionally, Robinhood is exploring the future of tokenization, where real-world assets can be converted into tradeable digital tokens, potentially revolutionizing investment in private equity and other assets.