Bitstamp Close to Obtaining European Bitcoin Exchange License

Rage Comment : Bitstamp is one of the world's largest Bitcoin exchanges; it is reportedly about to receive a license from the Luxembourg government, making it the first regulated and licensed Bitcoin exchange in the 28 EU countries. Previously, blockchain-based payment application provider Circle also obtained a European electronic money license. Representatives of the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office also said that the government is about to make a relevant cooperation statement. A series of government initiatives show that European governments have always been concerned about and supportive of the development of digital currencies.

Translation: Annie_Xu

One of the world’s largest bitcoin exchanges is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with the Luxembourg government to offer regulated and licensed services in Europe.

Bitstamp may have received a payment institution (PI) or electronic money institution (EMI) license from Luxembourg regulators, according to sources, a certificate that the company said would make it “the first regulated and licensed Bitcoin exchange in the 28-country European Union.”

Founded in Slovenia in 2013, Bitsamp has been one of the largest Bitcoin startups in Europe, providing Bitcoin trading and gold purchasing services to investors. The company is registered in the UK, the US and Luxembourg, which is also the location of its European SA entity.

Luxembourg first publicly engaged with the industry two years ago; and the Bitstamp license was issued two weeks after blockchain-based payment app provider Circle also received a European e-money license.

According to major global Bitcoin market websites, Bitstamp's total US dollar trading volume currently ranks fourth among global exchanges; the trading volume in the past 24 hours was 4,000 Bitcoins, with a total amount of US$1.6 million; but euro trading services are not yet available.

A representative for the Luxembourg Trade & Investment Office declined to comment but pointed to an upcoming government announcement on cooperation with the industry.

Bitstamp executives also declined to comment on the matter.