Bitget has announced the hiring of Oliver Stauber, the former Chief Legal Officer at Bitpanda, as CEO of its European operations. This strategic move comes as the cryptocurrency exchange gears up to secure its Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulatory approval from Austria, expected in the second quarter of 2026. With Stauber at the helm, Bitget aims to fortify its presence in the European market while awaiting the necessary licensing to operate within the European Economic Area (EEA).
As the July 1st deadline for MiCA compliance approaches, numerous crypto firms in the European Union are actively working on their applications. Bitget has submitted its request for a MiCA license in Austria and intends to establish its new European headquarters in Vienna. Until the licensing is approved, the firm remains unable to provide services within the EEA.
Gracy Chen, the CEO of Bitget, expressed confidence in Stauber’s capabilities, highlighting his extensive experience and operational discipline as crucial for launching their headquarters in Austria. Stauber has committed to listing only tokens that meet MiCA standards, further aligning Bitget with the regulatory requirements.
In a parallel development, KuCoin has appointed Sabina Liu, a former executive from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), to lead its EU operation as managing director in Vienna. Liu brings over a decade of experience from LSEG, where she worked closely with global investment banks and developed a robust understanding of cross-border trading clients. Prior to her new role, she was responsible for running KuCoin’s institutional business.
KuCoin had successfully acquired a MiCAR license from Austrian authorities last November, positioning itself advantageously in the regulatory landscape. Liu remarked that the MiCAR framework provides KuCoin with a consolidated regulatory structure, enabling the exchange to operate more effectively in a region characterized by mature financial markets.
The recent appointments at both Bitget and KuCoin highlight a broader trend among cryptocurrency firms striving for compliance with MiCA regulations. These efforts indicate a commitment to adhering to the emerging regulatory landscape in Europe, which aims to create a stable environment for crypto activities.
