Bitcoin Group Seeks New Model for Bitcoin.de After BaFin…
By Abdelaziz Fathi
AI summary of the source article
Germany's BaFin has refused a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) authorization application for futurum bank AG, a subsidiary of Bitcoin Group SE. The decision disrupts Bitcoin Group's plans to relaunch bitcoin.de as a redesigned brokerage, with operational trading largely suspended since June 12. In response, Bitcoin Group plans to partner with separate regulated German institutions to handle trading counterparty duties and custody. The group reported a first-half 2026 revenue decline to €1.59 million and an EBITDA loss of €3.25 million, making a swift relaunch critical for retaining bitcoin.de's 1.1 million registered users.
Why it matters
The rejection highlights stringent enforcement of MiCA standards by BaFin and forces bitcoin.de to rely on third-party regulated partners to resume crypto trading services in Germany.
Key facts
- BaFin refused futurum bank AG's application for crypto-asset service provider authorization under MiCA.
- Bitcoin Group plans to restore bitcoin.de trading via regulated German partners handling custody and counterparty execution.
- Bitcoin Group reported H1 2026 revenue of €1.59 million, an EBITDA loss of €3.25 million, and €199 million in net crypto holdings.