Bitstamp: Europe's Oldest Exchange and Its MiCA Authorisation

Bitstamp occupies a distinctive position in the cryptocurrency exchange landscape: it is one of the oldest continuously operating exchanges in the world and has been headquartered in Europe throughout its existence. Its long regulatory track record and Luxembourg-based operations made it well-positioned for MiCA authorisation.

Bitstamp was founded in August 2011 by Nejc Kodrič and Damijan Merlak in Slovenia. The exchange launched as a European alternative to Mt. Gox, which at the time dominated Bitcoin trading but was based in Japan and increasingly attracting regulatory and operational concerns. Bitstamp positioned itself from the outset as a regulated, European-focused exchange.

The exchange moved its headquarters to the United Kingdom in 2013 and subsequently relocated to Luxembourg in 2016, where it obtained a full payment institution licence from the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), Luxembourg's financial regulator. This made Bitstamp one of the first cryptocurrency exchanges to hold a formal payment institution licence in the EU.

Bitstamp has changed ownership several times since its founding. In 2018, the exchange was acquired by NXMH, a Belgian investment company backed by South Korean internet conglomerate NXC Corporation. In 2021, Bitstamp was acquired by Nexon, a South Korean video game company, as part of NXC's broader restructuring.

In 2023, Robinhood Markets announced the acquisition of Bitstamp for approximately $200 million, subject to regulatory approvals. The acquisition was completed in 2024, making Bitstamp a subsidiary of Robinhood. This acquisition was notable as it gave Robinhood, a US-based retail brokerage, a direct entry point into the European regulated crypto market via Bitstamp's existing licences and customer base.

Nejc Kodrič departed as CEO in 2019. The exchange has since been led by a succession of professional managers; Jean-Baptiste Graftieaux has served as Global CEO in recent years.

Bitstamp's Luxembourg base proved strategically valuable when MiCA came into force. The CSSF, which had already authorised Bitstamp as a payment institution, served as the competent authority for Bitstamp's MiCA CASP licence application. Luxembourg has been one of the more active EU member states in processing MiCA applications, given its established role as a financial services hub.

Bitstamp holds a MiCA CASP licence authorised by the CSSF, covering the operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets, exchange services, and custody. The Luxembourg authorisation enables passporting across all 27 EU member states.

Bitstamp has historically positioned itself as a venue for institutional and professional traders rather than retail users. Its fee structure, API capabilities, and regulatory standing have made it a preferred exchange for European banks, asset managers, and fintech companies seeking a regulated counterparty for crypto transactions.

The exchange offers spot trading in a more limited selection of crypto-assets compared to larger exchanges like Binance or Kraken, reflecting a deliberate focus on established, liquid assets rather than a broad long-tail offering. This conservative approach has been consistent with its regulatory positioning.

Bitstamp was one of the first exchanges to implement the Travel Rule for crypto transfers, working with compliance technology providers to meet the requirements of the EU's Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR).

Bitstamp suffered a significant security breach in January 2015, in which approximately 19,000 Bitcoin were stolen from its hot wallet. The exchange suspended operations temporarily, reimbursed affected customers, and subsequently overhauled its security infrastructure, moving the majority of customer funds to cold storage. Since that incident, Bitstamp has not reported any major security breaches involving customer funds.

• Founded: August 2011, Slovenia
• Founders: Nejc Kodrič, Damijan Merlak
• Current parent company: Robinhood Markets (acquisition completed 2024)
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Regulatory base: Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), Luxembourg
• MiCA CASP licence: Granted by CSSF, Luxembourg
• EU passporting: Yes — licence valid across all 27 EU member states
• Pre-MiCA licence: Payment institution licence (CSSF, 2016)

• Bitstamp official website: bitstamp.net
• CSSF — Luxembourg financial regulator: cssf.lu
• ESMA — MiCA CASP Register: esma.europa.eu
• Robinhood acquisition announcement (2023): robinhood.com/us/en/support/articles
• EU Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (MiCA): eur-lex.europa.eu

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. MiCA licence status is based on the ESMA Interim MiCA CASP Register (CASPS.csv, last updated 3 July 2026), verified 12 July 2026. Readers should verify current regulatory status directly with ESMA or the CSSF.