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Writer's picturemeowdini
Jun 62 min read

Robinhood’s Bold Move: Acquiring Bitstamp to Boost Institutional Crypto Trading in the US

In a strategic move to solidify its position in the cryptocurrency market, Robinhood has announced its plans to acquire Bitstamp, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, for $200 million. This acquisition, despite recent regulatory pressures, signals Robinhood's commitment to expanding its crypto offerings and catering to institutional clients in the United States.


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Key Points

  1. The Acquisition Deal

  • Robinhood will purchase Bitstamp for $200 million, with the deal expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

  • The acquisition aims to address growing customer demand for more diverse cryptocurrency products and services.

  1. Expansion into Institutional Trading

  • The acquisition will enable Robinhood to offer institutional-grade crypto services, including lending and staking, and leverage Bitstamp’s white-label solution.

  • Bitstamp, founded in 2011, holds over 50 active regulatory licenses and registrations worldwide, enhancing Robinhood's credibility and regulatory standing.

  1. Strategic Rationale

  • Johann Kerbrat, General Manager of Robinhood Crypto, highlighted the resilience and strong reputation of Bitstamp, which has weathered various market cycles.

  • By integrating Bitstamp’s robust infrastructure, Robinhood aims to enhance customer experience and safety across different geographies.

  1. Robinhood’s Crypto Journey

  • Since 2018, Robinhood has gradually expanded its cryptocurrency offerings, starting with Bitcoin and Ether trading.

  • The Bitstamp acquisition marks a significant milestone in Robinhood’s ongoing efforts to diversify and strengthen its crypto services.

  1. Regulatory Challenges

  • The acquisition comes amid potential legal troubles for Robinhood, as the SEC issued a Wells notice to its U.S.-based crypto business in May 2023.

  • The SEC’s investigation focuses on Robinhood’s crypto listings and custodian operations, with the potential for an enforcement action related to alleged securities violations.

  • Despite these challenges, Robinhood remains committed to cooperating with regulators and addressing any compliance issues.

  1. Future Implications

  • If approved, the acquisition will position Robinhood as a formidable player in the institutional crypto trading space in the U.S.

  • The deal underscores the growing importance of institutional adoption in the cryptocurrency market and Robinhood’s strategic pivot to cater to this segment.



Robinhood’s acquisition of Bitstamp represents a bold step towards expanding its footprint in the cryptocurrency market, particularly in institutional trading. Despite facing regulatory hurdles, Robinhood’s strategic move demonstrates its determination to meet the increasing demand for diverse crypto products and solidify its position as a leading player in the industry. As the acquisition progresses, the crypto community will be watching closely to see how this development shapes the future of institutional crypto trading in the United States.



Short Description

Robinhood plans to acquire Bitstamp for $200 million, aiming to boost institutional crypto trading in the US. Despite regulatory challenges, this strategic move underscores Robinhood’s commitment to expanding its crypto offerings.


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