Crypto company BitMEX makes bid for one of Germany’s oldest banks

BitMEX has announced plans to acquire Germany's 268-year-old Bankhaus von der Heydt to create a digital asset "powerhouse" in Europe.

BitMEX Group has the ambition to transform the bank into a one-stop shop for regulated crypto products in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with a view to becoming a key player in the European digital asset market. The bold offer comes after the cryptocurrency company established a Swiss-based brokerage service that facilitates cryptocurrency trading.

Commenting on the planned purchase, BitMEX CEO Alexander Höptner said: "By combining Bankhaus von der Heydt's regulated digital asset expertise with Bitmex's crypto innovation and scale, I believe we can create a product powerhouse. regulated cryptocurrencies in the heart of Europe". .”

Co-founder and CFO Stephan Lutz also commented on the offer. He said: "Germany, as Europe's largest economy, combines an innovative approach to digital assets with strong regulatory oversight and the rule of law, making it a prime market for BitMEX's expansion in Europe."

BitMEX and Bankhaus's current owner, Dietrich von Boetticher, have agreed not to disclose the purchase price or other financial details of the transaction.

Once the purchase is finalized, which will require approval from German financial regulator BaFin, the bank will continue to operate as an independent business unit, with BitMEX co-founders Höptner and Lutz joining its supervisory board.

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