Dutch crypto exchange Bitvavo (website) has received authorization from Austria’s Financial Market Authority (FMA) to operate as a Virtual-Asset-Service-Provider. This allows Bitvavo to expand its crypto services to Austria. Registered with the Dutch Central Bank (DNB), the crypto exchange, established in 2018, boasts around 1.5 million customers.
The Austrian approval marks a significant step in Bitvavo‘s strategic European expansion plans. Founder and CEO Mark Nuvelstijn aimes to make Bitvavo the leading regulated crypto exchange in Europe.
Bitvavo‘s success in the Benelux region, driven by features like a user-friendly platform, over 200 cryptocurrencies, and low transaction fees, is expected to appeal to the Austrian market. The crypto exchange received the regulatory approval in Italy last year and has applied for licenses in other markets, including a pending application with Germany’s Financial Supervisory Authority BaFin.
Strong home base: A 2023 survey revealed Bitvavo as the top-rated Dutch cryptocurrency exchange, used by nearly half of the country’s crypto owners. Nuvelstijn emphasized Bitvavo‘s commitment to staying at the forefront of regulatory developments in Europe.