Japan's BitFlyer Launches Bitcoin Exchange in US Market

Japanese bitcoin exchange bitFlyer has officially launched in the US.

AccessTimeIconNov 28, 2017 at 4:50 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 7:12 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Japanese bitcoin exchange bitFlyer has officially launched in the US after receiving approval from regulators like the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).

Announced today, the move concludes a private beta that saw the exchange working with 2,000 initial users. The official launch also comes months after bitFlyer first revealed its intention to open its doors in the US. At the time, the startup said it had obtained permission to operate in 34 states.

As part of today's launch, bitFlyer revealed that it had been granted a BitLicense from regulators in New York. Formalized in 2015, the BitLicense framework was an early effort to oversee companies working with cryptocurrencies in the US.

"BitFlyer is proud to have been granted a BitLicense to do business in the state of New York," CEO Yuzo Kano said in a statement. "This is a nod of approval from one of the most influential state financial services regulators in the nation."

Though the exchange will initially allow for only bitcoin trading, bitFlyer indicated that it would move to add support for additional cryptocurrencies over time.

Disclosure: CoinDesk is a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which has an ownership stake in bitFlyer. 

Trading data image via Shutterstock

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.