Overview
Bitstamp is a Luxembourg-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011, recognized as the world's oldest operating crypto trading platform. It facilitates trading between fiat currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) and major cryptocurrencies including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC)
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Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Type | Cryptocurrency Exchange |
| Headquarters | Luxembourg City, Luxembourg |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Current CEO | Jean-Baptiste Graftieaux |
| Founders | Nejc Kodrič & Damian Merlak |
Historical Milestones
Founding and Early Growth
- Launched as European alternative to Mt. Gox (2011)
- Initially based in Slovenia, later relocated to Luxembourg (2016)
- Early backing from Pantera Capital hedge fund
Regulatory Advancements
- Received Luxembourg payment institution license (2016)
- Implemented strict KYC/AML verification (2013)
Recent Developments
- Added Ethereum trading (2017)
- Acquired by Belgian investment firm (2018)
- Ripple purchased undisclosed stake (2023)
- Robinhood acquired Bitstamp for $200M (2024)
Trading Features
Bitstamp offers:
- Fiat-to-Crypto Trading: Deposit EUR via SEPA
- Crypto Pairs: 50+ trading pairs available
Security Measures:
- Cold storage for funds
- Two-factor authentication
- Regular security audits
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FAQ Section
Q: Is Bitstamp regulated?
A: Yes, it holds a Luxembourg payment institution license and complies with EU financial regulations.
Q: What are Bitstamp's trading fees?
A: Fees range from 0% to 0.40% based on 30-day trading volume (maker-taker model).
Q: How does Bitstamp ensure security?
A: Through cold storage, insurance coverage, and mandatory KYC verification for all users.
Q: Which countries are supported?
A: Services available in all EU countries and most global markets (excluding some restricted jurisdictions).
Service Reliability
While generally stable, Bitstamp has experienced:
- DDoS attacks (2014)
- Security breach (2015) - 19,000 BTC stolen
- Temporary ETH staking suspension (2023)
The exchange maintains transparency through:
- Public security audits
- Regular platform status updates
- Insurance coverage for digital assets
Conclusion
As the pioneer cryptocurrency exchange, Bitstamp continues evolving while maintaining its commitment to regulatory compliance and user security. Its acquisition by Robinhood positions it for further growth in the institutional crypto market.