BaFin Rejects MiCAR License Application From Bitcoin Group Unit
futurum bank AG can challenge the decision within one month and may submit a new application later. Bitcoin Group is preparing a regulated-partner model for bitcoin.de.
Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has rejected futurum bank AG’s application for a crypto-asset service provider license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), creating a new regulatory setback for Bitcoin Group SE’s bitcoin.de platform.
The wholly owned subsidiary submitted its application in June 2025. Bitcoin Group said futurum bank AG and the parent company are reviewing the decision and can file an objection within one month after formal notification. The bank may also submit a new MiCAR application in the future.
Bitcoin.de’s crypto trading has been largely unavailable since June 12, 2026, as the licensing process continued. Bitcoin Group is now preparing an alternative operating model that would use one regulated German institution as the customers’ trading counterparty and another regulated institution as custodian.
The partner-based model is intended to restore trading through bitcoin.de.
Riza Dagoc
Riza Dagoc reports on regulation, investing and the digital-asset business for TokenPost. Send corrections or tips to info@tokenpost.com.