Bullish secures BaFin licenses, eyes EU expansion under MiCA

Bullish Group, a leader in digital asset trading infrastructure, announced that its German subsidiary, Bullish DE Custody GmbH, has obtained essential licenses from Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority

The approvals, granted on Dec. 20, cover crypto asset custody, proprietary trading, and principal brokerage. These licenses allow Bullish DE to operate within Germany’s expanding digital asset market, according to a company release.

This milestone positions Bullish DE for broader European expansion under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, which took effect in December 2024. MiCA provides a unified framework for crypto businesses, streamlining regulatory requirements across the European Union.

“Receiving BaFin’s approval underscores Bullish’s commitment to operating under the highest regulatory standards,” said Tom Farley, Bullish CEO. “Germany’s position as a leading financial hub and its rapidly growing digital asset market present a significant opportunity.”

Crypto to institutional and professional investors

According to the company release, Bullish DE plans to use its BaFin licenses to introduce services specifically designed for institutional and professional investors. This development could pave the way for further advancements in the EU crypto market.

In February 2024, Switzerland-based Crypto Finance secured BaFin licenses, demonstrating a similar commitment to expanding within Europe. These licenses enable Crypto Finance to provide regulated services for digital asset trading, settlement, and custody in Germany.