The global cryptocurrency market continues to mature, and institutional adoption is accelerating. At the forefront of this evolution is BitGo, a U.S.-based digital asset financial services leader, which has recently strengthened its international presence by launching regulated custody entities in two of Europe’s most crypto-friendly jurisdictions: Switzerland and Germany.
This strategic expansion underscores BitGo’s commitment to meeting rising European demand for secure, compliant, and institutionally oriented crypto custody solutions.
Strategic Expansion into Key European Markets
On February 10, BitGo announced the establishment of two new subsidiaries—BitGo GmbH in Switzerland and BitGo Deutschland GmbH in Germany—marking a major step in its global growth strategy. These entities are designed to offer fully regulated digital asset custody services tailored to institutional clients across Europe.
With over 20% of the world’s Bitcoin transactions reportedly processed through its platform, BitGo has cemented its position as one of the most trusted names in blockchain security and asset management. The company now supports more than 250 cryptocurrencies and tokens, serving clients in over 50 countries.
Why Switzerland and Germany?
BitGo’s decision to enter Switzerland and Germany is no coincidence. Both nations have developed clear, forward-thinking regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring investor protection and financial integrity.
Switzerland: A Hub for Digital Finance
BitGo GmbH has become a member of the Swiss Financial Services Standards Association (VQF), a self-regulatory organization supervised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). This membership enables BitGo to provide regulated custody services under strict compliance standards.
Switzerland, particularly the so-called “Crypto Valley” in Zug, has long been recognized as a global epicenter for blockchain innovation. Its supportive legal environment, political stability, and strong financial infrastructure make it an ideal base for digital asset firms.
However, Swiss regulators are also tightening oversight. FINMA recently lowered the threshold for identity verification on crypto transactions—from approximately $5,100 to just **$1,020**—demonstrating a balanced approach between innovation and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance.
Germany: Opening Doors for Institutional Crypto Adoption
In Germany, BitGo Deutschland GmbH is now operational and actively providing custody services. The company plans to apply for full regulatory approval by November 2020, aligning with Germany’s progressive stance on digital finance.
Notably, Germany is considering legislation that would allow traditional banks to offer Bitcoin trading and crypto custody services—a move that could significantly accelerate mainstream adoption. If passed, this law would empower banks to integrate digital assets into their existing product offerings, bridging the gap between legacy finance and the crypto economy.
This regulatory momentum reflects a broader trend: European institutions are increasingly viewing cryptocurrencies not as speculative assets, but as legitimate components of diversified portfolios.
A Legacy of Innovation and Trust
Founded in 2013 in Palo Alto, California, BitGo began as one of the first platforms dedicated to secure Bitcoin storage. Over time, it evolved from a consumer-focused wallet provider into a full-service institutional-grade custodian.
In 2018, BitGo made history by becoming the first cryptocurrency company to receive a state trust charter from the South Dakota Division of Banking. This landmark approval designated BitGo as a qualified custodian under U.S. banking regulations—a critical milestone for institutional trust.
Today, BitGo combines cutting-edge technology with deep regulatory expertise, offering services such as:
- Multi-signature wallets
- Cold storage solutions
- Insurance-backed custody
- Staking and yield generation
- Compliance and reporting tools
These capabilities are especially valuable for hedge funds, family offices, exchanges, and fintech platforms seeking secure ways to manage digital assets at scale.
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Core Keywords Driving Institutional Interest
As digital assets gain traction in traditional finance, certain keywords reflect growing market priorities:
- Crypto custody
- Institutional crypto adoption
- Regulated cryptocurrency services
- Bitcoin security
- Digital asset management
- Swiss crypto regulations
- German crypto law
- Blockchain financial services
These terms not only define BitGo’s expansion strategy but also represent key search intents for investors, developers, and compliance officers navigating the evolving crypto landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is BitGo expanding into Europe now?
European demand for secure and compliant crypto custody has surged since 2019. With clearer regulations emerging in countries like Germany and Switzerland, institutional investors are seeking trusted partners to manage their digital assets—making it an ideal time for BitGo to establish a formal presence.
Are BitGo’s new subsidiaries already regulated?
Yes. BitGo GmbH in Switzerland operates under the supervision of FINMA via its membership in VQF. In Germany, BitGo Deutschland GmbH is preparing to submit its formal application for regulatory approval by November 2020.
What types of clients use BitGo’s services?
BitGo primarily serves institutional clients, including cryptocurrency exchanges, hedge funds, family offices, fintech companies, and blockchain startups. Its infrastructure is designed to meet high standards of security, scalability, and regulatory compliance.
How does BitGo ensure the security of stored assets?
BitGo uses a combination of multi-signature technology, offline cold storage, hardware security modules (HSMs), and comprehensive insurance coverage. These layers of protection help safeguard against theft, fraud, and operational risks.
Can individuals use BitGo’s custody services?
While BitGo focuses on institutional clients, some individual investors access its services indirectly through partner platforms such as exchanges or wealth management firms that utilize BitGo as their backend custodian.
What makes Switzerland and Germany attractive for crypto businesses?
Both countries offer stable legal environments, proactive regulators, strong financial systems, and a growing ecosystem of blockchain startups and service providers. Their balanced approach to innovation and compliance builds confidence among global investors.
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Final Thoughts: The Future of Global Crypto Custody
BitGo’s expansion into Switzerland and Germany reflects a broader shift toward global normalization of digital assets. As governments refine their regulatory approaches and financial institutions integrate crypto into their offerings, the need for secure, compliant custody solutions will only grow.
By establishing regulated footholds in key European markets, BitGo is positioning itself as a bridge between traditional finance and the decentralized future—one secure transaction at a time.