Bitstamp has recently received a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) license from Slovenia’s Securities Market Agency, allowing the exchange to offer a broader range of financial products to both retail and institutional clients.
This new license enables Bitstamp to introduce crypto derivatives, such as perpetual swaps, which allow traders to speculate on cryptocurrency prices without the concern of expiration dates. Additionally, the license permits trading in structured products, bonds, commodities, and stocks.
Jean-Baptiste Graftieaux, Bitstamp’s global CEO, highlighted that this license not only reflects the company’s commitment to safety and compliance but also signifies the growing maturity of the cryptocurrency industry as a whole.
The MTF license aligns with EU regulations under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II), enabling exchanges to diversify their offerings. Bitstamp is among the first to operate under this license, positioning itself to meet the increasing demand for crypto derivatives from institutional clients. Other exchanges, like D2X in Amsterdam, are also governed by this framework.
In a significant move, American fintech company Robinhood acquired Bitstamp for $200 million, aiming to enhance its cryptocurrency services and expand its reach in international markets, particularly in Asia, the UK, and the EU.
This acquisition is expected to be finalized by early 2025. However, Robinhood has faced challenges in its cryptocurrency endeavors, including a Wells notice from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in May, alleging violations of securities laws related to its crypto operations.
