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- Bitcoin.de is preparing a new operating model with regulated German partners after BaFin rejected its operator’s MiCA authorization application.
- Bitcoin Group wants to restart trading through its rebuilt Bitcoin.de app within the next few weeks using regulated companies.
- Futurum bank can object within one month after receiving formal notification and can submit another MiCA authorization application later.
Bitcoin.de is preparing a new operating model with regulated German partners after financial watchdog BaFin rejected its operator’s application for authorization under the European Union’s MiCA rules.
Trading on the platform has largely been suspended since June 12 while futurum bank AG waited for regulatory approval. Bitcoin Group SE, which owns the bank, now wants to restart trading through its rebuilt Bitcoin.de app within the next few weeks.
BaFin Rejects Application Filed in June 2025
Futurum bank applied for authorization as a crypto-asset service provider on June 27, 2025. BaFin informed the company on Oct. 6 that it would refuse the application after a process lasting more than 15 months.
Bitcoin Group said measures requested by BaFin were already well advanced, but the regulator considered their current implementation and the progress achievable in the short term insufficient for authorization.
BaFin’s previous tolerance allowing futurum bank to provide crypto services has also ended. The company expects formal notice of the decision shortly.
Regulated Partners Would Handle Trading and Crypto Custody
Rather than wait for another licensing process, futurum bank plans to restructure Bitcoin.de around regulated companies based in Germany.
Under the proposed setup, one regulated institution would initially act as the trading counterparty for Bitcoin.de customers. A separate regulated provider would custody their crypto assets.
Bitcoin Group has not identified either prospective partner. It said details covering the structure, customer requirements and restart timetable will be published once agreements are completed.
Development and testing of Bitcoin.de’s redesigned website and trading app are already finished.
Customer Assets Remain With Futurum Bank During Transition
Futurum bank will continue holding customer assets until they can be transferred to the new regulated custodian. Bitcoin Group said customer claims remain fully intact during the transition.
Bitcoin.de has more than 1.1 million registered users. Deposits and trading remain paused, while withdrawals continue to be processed. Futurum bank can object within one month after receiving formal notification and can submit another MiCA authorization application later.
For now, Bitcoin Group is focusing on the partner model, which it says could allow Bitcoin.de trading to resume within weeks rather than waiting for another full licensing process.
