CEX PROOF OF RESERVES NYDFS BITLICENSE MICA CASP
Bitstamp review
Oldest active crypto exchange — 2011, NYDFS + Robinhood-acquired
The verdict
7.5 / 10 · CONSIDER
Bitstamp (Luxembourg, founded 2011) is the oldest active crypto exchange. Robinhood-acquired (deal announced June 2024, closed June 2, 2025) for $200M. NYDFS BitLicense + EU MiCA + UK FCA registered. The institutional Bitcoin-on-ramp legacy from the early-Bitcoin era.
◆ BUY IT IF
- Longest track record of any active crypto exchange
- Multi-jurisdiction-licensed (NYDFS + MiCA + FCA)
- BitGo custody + insured cold storage
- Robinhood backing post-acquisition
◇ SKIP IT IF
- Smaller liquidity than Binance / Coinbase
- Higher fees than Bitvavo / Kraken
- Limited token universe (70 vs Coinbase 250+)
- Robinhood acquisition introduces strategic uncertainty
§ 01 SCORE BREAKDOWN
Seven axes, weighted.
DIMENSION WEIGHT RATING SCORE
Regulatory safety
NYDFS BitLicense (US). MiCA CASP (Luxembourg). FCA Cryptoasset Firm (UK). MAS DPT (Singapore). Wholly-owned su
Trading fees
Maker 0.16% · Taker 0.26%
Coin selection
70 coins supported
Liquidity
CEX — order-book depth
User experience
Security
Publishes Proof of Reserves
Support
§ 02 SPECIFICATIONS
Everything, in one table.
Regulation
- Regulatory status
- NYDFS BitLicense (US). MiCA CASP (Luxembourg). FCA Cryptoasset Firm (UK). MAS DPT (Singapore). Wholly-owned subsidiary of Robinhood Markets Inc (NASDAQ: HOOD) since June 2025.
- KYC required
- Yes
- Proof of Reserves
- Yes
- Founded
- 2011
- Type
- CEX
Fees
- Maker fee
- 0.16%
- Taker fee
- 0.26%
- Withdrawal fee
- Variable
Trading
- Spot trading
- Yes
- Futures trading
- No
- Margin trading
- No
- Copy trading
- No
- Supported coins
- 70
Other features
- Earn / staking
- Yes
- Debit card
- No
- Fiat on-ramp
- No
§ 03 FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitstamp safe to use? +
Bitstamp NYDFS BitLicense (US). MiCA CASP (Luxembourg). FCA Cryptoasset Firm (UK). MAS DPT (Singapore). Wholly-owned subsidiary of Robinhood Markets Inc (NASDAQ: HOOD) since June 2025.. The platform publishes proof of reserves.
What are Bitstamp's trading fees? +
Bitstamp charges 0.16% maker fee and 0.26% taker fee.
How many coins does Bitstamp support? +
Bitstamp supports 70 coins and tokens. Spot trading is available.
◆ OPEN ACCOUNT
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