Bitstamp: availability and regulation
Bitstamp is one of the longest running crypto exchanges and holds a MiCA licence in the European Economic Area, an FCA registration in the United Kingdom, and money transmitter registrations in the United States. It now sits within the Robinhood group following a 2025 acquisition.
Information, not advice. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify the current rules with a qualified local professional and the official regulator before acting.
Bitstamp is one of the oldest crypto exchanges, founded in 2011 with European roots, and as of May 2026 it forms part of the Robinhood group following an acquisition completed in 2025. It is available in many countries and holds a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) licence in the European Economic Area, a Financial Conduct Authority registration in the United Kingdom, and money transmitter registrations across most United States states.
What Bitstamp is
Bitstamp is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011, making it one of the longest running platforms still operating. It offers spot trading, a mobile app, and custody, with a focus on a straightforward exchange experience rather than a wide derivatives suite.
Following an acquisition completed in 2025, Bitstamp operates as part of the Robinhood group of companies. It continues to run under its own brand and its own registrations in each market.
The platform is custodial. Supported assets and funding methods vary by region, and trading fees are charged on a tiered maker and taker basis. Confirm the current fee schedule and asset list on the platform before trading.
Registrations and licences
- European Economic Area. A Crypto Asset Service Provider licence under Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA), granted by Luxembourg's Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) in May 2025 and passportable across the EEA (as of May 2026).
- United Kingdom. A cryptoasset registration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for anti money laundering supervision (as of May 2026).
- United States. Registration with FinCEN as a Money Services Business together with state money transmitter licences covering most states (as of May 2026).
- Group structure. Bitstamp sits within the Robinhood group following a 2025 acquisition, while continuing to hold its own registrations in each market (as of May 2026).
Each registration is stated as of 21 June 2026. Licences and registrations change. Confirm the current position on the regulator register and the licences page of the platform before acting.
Where Bitstamp is available
As of May 2026 Bitstamp is available to residents of many countries across the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and most United States states, along with other markets in Asia and beyond. It serves European clients under its MiCA licence held through Luxembourg.
Certain products, including crypto derivatives, are not offered to customers in some countries such as the United States and Canada. Availability and the product mix can change, so check the current position on the platform for your country.
Bitstamp is one of several platforms available in many countries. Availability depends on where you live, so compare the exchanges that are genuinely available in your country before you choose.
Regulator and sources
The supervising authorities differ by market: Luxembourg's Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) for the MiCA licence used across the European Economic Area, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, and FinCEN with state regulators in the United States.
- Bitstamp official blog, Crypto Asset Service Provider licence under MiCA announcement, May 2025.
- Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) public registers.
- Public reporting on the completion of the Bitstamp acquisition by Robinhood Markets in 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bitstamp safe and regulated?
Bitstamp is one of the longest running exchanges and, as of May 2026, holds a MiCA licence in the European Economic Area, an FCA registration in the United Kingdom, and money transmitter registrations in the United States. No registration removes market or platform risk, and this is information rather than advice.
Who owns Bitstamp?
As of May 2026 Bitstamp forms part of the Robinhood group of companies, following an acquisition that completed in 2025. It continues to operate under its own brand and registrations.
Does Bitstamp have a MiCA licence?
Yes. Bitstamp received a Crypto Asset Service Provider licence under MiCA from Luxembourg's CSSF in May 2025, which can be passported across the European Economic Area. This is current as of May 2026.
Is Bitstamp available in the United States?
Yes, in most states. As of May 2026 Bitstamp is registered with FinCEN and holds state money transmitter licences, although some products such as derivatives are not offered to United States customers. Check the current list on the platform.
Does Bitstamp hold my crypto?
Yes. Bitstamp is a custodial exchange and holds the assets in your account for you. Holding your own keys requires a separate self custody wallet.
Rules change frequently. Exchange availability, registrations, and the rules that govern them can change at short notice and vary by region. The position on this page is dated 21 June 2026. Confirm the current status with the named regulator and the platform before you act.
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