BitGo, a prominent player in the digital asset sector known for managing over $100 billion in assets, has successfully secured an extension of its license from the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany (BaFin). This pivotal development empowers BitGo Europe, its local subsidiary, to roll out an array of crypto services to European investors.
The updated authorization enables BitGo Europe to offer a comprehensive suite of services, including custody, staking, transfers, and now, importantly, trading. Institutional clients will also benefit from enhanced offerings, including an over-the-counter (OTC) trading desk and access to various liquidity venues. This extension marks a significant expansion from BitGo’s initial Markets-in-Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, which was acquired in May 2025 and allowed the company to provide specific services to both traditional financial institutions and crypto-native enterprises throughout the European Union.
According to Statista, cryptocurrency revenue in Europe is projected to hit $26 billion this year, with Germany emerging as a leader in the region’s adoption of digital assets. Factors like favorable regulatory frameworks, particularly the MiCA regulations, alongside the growing interplay between traditional finance and crypto-native businesses, are expected to bolster market growth. Recent consolidations and strategic partnerships in the sector are likely to further contribute to a robust investment landscape.
As institutional interest in cryptocurrencies continues to escalate, several developments have highlighted this trend. The improvements in infrastructure surrounding digital assets have drawn increased attention from institutional investors, particularly with the emergence of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs). These developments have added a level of credibility to the sector, encouraging further regulatory action in regions such as Europe and the United Arab Emirates, while the United States considers its market structure regulations.
In a related context of institutional momentum, Bullish, a crypto exchange focused on serving institutional clients, recently made strides toward launching in the U.S. after obtaining a BitLicense and a Money Transmission License from the New York State Department of Financial Services. This move underscores the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies among traditional finance institutions.
Meanwhile, Standard Chartered’s venture capital division announced plans to introduce a $250 million digital asset fund scheduled for 2026, signaling strong commitment from established financial incumbents to engage with the crypto market.
As this momentum builds, Annabelle Huang, co-founder of Altius Labs, shared insights on the current wave of institutional adoption in the crypto arena. Huang noted that numerous fintech firms, including Robinhood and Stripe, are actively developing their own blockchain technologies, indicating a commitment to integrating digital assets into mainstream financial frameworks.
The recent developments surrounding BitGo’s extended MiCA license and the broader institutional engagement with cryptocurrency point to a vibrant evolution in the digital asset landscape, particularly in Europe where regulatory support and market demand are converging to shape the future of financial services.
