On January 21, 2025, in Europe, Bitstamp, the oldest cryptocurrency exchange, announced plans to introduce a fully regulated perpetual swap offering. This move follows the recent acquisition by Robinhood and reflects a growing trend towards compliance in the crypto sector.
Bitstamp holds a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license, allowing it to operate within a pan-European regulatory framework for trading securities and derivatives, including crypto assets. The regulatory clarity in Europe has encouraged other firms, such as D2X and Backpack Exchange, to enter the crypto derivatives market, aiming to shift dominance from offshore exchanges like Deribit.
With its established presence and multiple state licenses in the U.S., including a New York State BitLicense, Bitstamp is positioned for significant growth in both Europe and the U.S.