BaFin Rejects MiCA Application of Bitcoin.de Operator, Platform Trading Remains Suspended as It Seeks Regulated Partner

Odaily News: Crypto asset platform operator Bitcoin Group SE announced that the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has rejected the crypto asset service provider license application submitted by its subsidiary futurum bank AG under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The company is evaluating alternative operating models and seeking to restore Bitcoin.de trading as soon as possible through a regulated partner.

Moritz Eckert, CEO of Bitcoin Group SE, stated that the company had prepared for the rejection of its application and will now review the decision, with the option to file an objection or resubmit the application in the future. Bitcoin.de is a German crypto trading platform operated by futurum bank AG, with over 1.1 million registered users.

Bitcoin.de was originally a peer-to-peer trading marketplace and switched to a broker model this year, with plans to offer over 100 cryptocurrencies, crypto asset exchange, and staking services. The platform was originally scheduled to launch the new model at the end of June, but it was delayed due to waiting for MiCA licensing, and trading has been largely suspended since June 12. (Cointelegraph)