BaFin rejects MiCA application for Bitcoin Group SE subsidiary

Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has rejected the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) authorization application submitted by futurum bank AG, a subsidiary of Bitcoin Group SE. This decision ends the regulator’s previous tolerance of the subsidiary’s provision of crypto-asset services, leaving the Bitcoin.de trading platform in a state of uncertainty.

Trading on Bitcoin.de has been largely suspended since June 2026 while awaiting this authorization. In response to the rejection, Bitcoin Group SE is pursuing an alternative operating model. The company plans to work with regulated partners to enable trading through a technologically renewed Bitcoin.de app, potentially splitting functions between partners for trading and custody. The company aims to implement this new model within the coming weeks and stated that customer assets remain secure.

Bitcoin Group SE CEO Moritz Eckert described the decision as a setback but noted that the company had prepared for the possibility of a refusal. The firm is currently reviewing the decision and considering the option to lodge an objection or submit a new application in the future.