Bitstamp Eyes Australia Expansion as Institutional Interest Grows in Asia

As a seasoned crypto investor with roots deeply entrenched in the Asia-Pacific region, I find Bitstamp’s strategic move into Australia both intriguing and promising. Having navigated through the cryptocurrency market’s ebbs and flows for years, I can attest to the potential that lies within this region, particularly for institutional business expansion.


1) Bitstamp, a digital currency exchange, aims to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific area, particularly by growing its institutional business within Australia. This strategic action is part of the company’s broader objectives for global expansion and coincides with Robinhood’s announced acquisition of Bitstamp for $200 million, tentatively scheduled to be finalized in 2025.

During the Token2049 conference in Singapore, Bobby Zagotta, Bitstamp’s global chief commercial officer, highlighted the promising opportunities for institutional clients in Asia. 

“We see Asia as a great opportunity,” said Zagotta. 

Our main sales areas are currently Hong Kong and Singapore. Looking ahead, we’ve set our sights on Australia as a key market to expand into, particularly because it offers opportunities for our institutional offerings that other companies like Binance and Kraken haven’t fully explored due to their limited operations in the country.

Bitstamp Sets Foot in Australia to Fill Market Gap

Zagotta clarified that although most of Australia’s trading is handled by local companies, Bitstamp’s international exchange activities provide distinct advantages. The Exchange thinks that institutional investors in the area are limited in their choices at present, and Bitstamp intends to fill this void by utilizing its global network.

According to Zagotta, Australians seem to have limited options, but Binance is available, and he believes Kraken is too, although it may not offer a full range of services.

Expanding into Australia might alter the current distribution of Bitstamp’s global revenue, as Asia currently contributes 20% and Europe accounts for 65%. The company is putting effort into obtaining regulatory approvals in Australia, aiming to increase its influence in that region and potentially become a leading player there.

Robinhood Bitstamp Deal Nears Completion

The acquisition of Bitstamp by Robinhood, first announced in June, is anticipated to be completed during the first half of 2025. This strategic move is expected to considerably expand Bitstamp’s retail clientele. As per CEO Julian Zagotta, this partnership could direct a large portion of Robinhood’s cryptocurrency user base towards Bitstamp, making its market offerings more attractive.

With each step forward, Bitstamp stays positive regarding both the schedule and the regulatory proceedings. Zagotta voiced assurance, pointing out that the approval process by regulators is in progress at this time. Yet, the company’s day-to-day business activities will continue as usual until the full transfer of control has been completed.

Currently, Bitstamp is strategically preparing to seize opportunities from the rising institutional interest in crypto trading within Australia. This move might boost market liquidity and offer specialized services designed for institutional investors.

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2024-09-18 14:27