Bitcoin Group SE Plans Alternative Model After Bafin Rejects Crypto Licence

Bitcoin Group SE has revealed that its subsidiary, futurum bank AG, has been denied authorisation as a crypto-asset service provider by Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bafin). The decision, announced on October 6, 2026, follows the rejection of futurum bank AG's application under the European Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on markets in crypto-assets (MiCAR). As a result, Bafin's previous tolerance of crypto-asset services by futurum bank AG no longer applies.

Moritz Eckert, CEO of Bitcoin Group SE, expressed disappointment in the decision but noted that the company had anticipated this outcome. 'Bafin’s decision is a setback for us,' Eckert stated. 'We take a different view, but had prepared for the possibility of a refusal.' He added that the company is reviewing the decision and may lodge an objection, while also exploring the option of submitting a new application for MiCAR authorisation in the future.

Despite the setback, Bitcoin Group SE is already working on an alternative operating model to resume trading via the technologically renewed bitcoin.de app. The company plans to collaborate with regulated German partners to further develop Bitcoin.de and enable customers to resume trading within the next few weeks. Futurum bank AG will continue to securely custody customers’ assets until they are transferred to the alternative regulated custodian, ensuring that all customer claims remain fully intact.

Bitcoin Group SE is a holding company focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. It owns 100% of the shares in futurum bank AG and 50% of the shares in Sineus Financial Services GmbH. The company is listed on the primary market of the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange and other German stock exchanges under the ticker symbol ADE.