Bitpanda accelerates towards the public markets. According to Bloomberg, the Viennese crypto platform is preparing for an initial public offering in the first half of 2026, with a planned listing in Frankfurt and a targeted valuation of between 4 and 5 billion euros. A major strategic step for one of the most visible crypto players in continental Europe.
Frankfurt Rather than London, Paris, or New York
According to reports by Bloomberg, Bitpanda has appointed Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank to lead the operation. The company has definitively ruled out the option of listing in London, deemed unattractive due to insufficient liquidity on the London Stock Exchange. The choice of Frankfurt emerges as a natural solution for reasons of market depth and European regulatory anchorage.
The founder and CEO Eric Demuth had previously stated that the IPO would be between New York and Germany. In the current context, Frankfurt appears as an optimal compromise: access to institutional investors, a stabilized legal framework, and geographical alignment with Bitpanda’s core business.
An Ambitious Yet Credible Valuation
The mentioned valuation range, between 4.6 and 5.8 billion dollars, places Bitpanda among the potential largest listed European crypto capitalizations. This level reflects the rapid expansion of the platform in recent years, as well as the premium granted to regulated actors capable of enduring in the traditional financial landscape.
Established in 2014, Bitpanda boasts approximately 30 million users and a strong presence in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and France, with enhanced operations in the UK. Its Berlin hub has become a key operational center, highlighting the emphasis on the German market.
A Strategy Closely Tied to Traditional Banks
The initial public offering may coincide with another strategic step: the launch of a crypto custody service in partnership with Deutsche Bank. Planned for 2026, this project leverages infrastructure provided by Taurus and targets institutional clients.
This collaboration with one of the largest European banks sends a clear signal. Bitpanda is evolving beyond a retail platform, positioning itself as a financial infrastructure player capable of engaging with institutions and meeting the strictest compliance requirements.
A Timing Supported by Regulatory Clarity
The regulatory environment clearly favors the operation. In Europe, the implementation of MiCA has significantly reduced legal uncertainty for crypto actors. In the US, despite political tensions, the overall tone has softened, encouraging IPO projects in the sector.
Last year, several crypto companies successfully entered public markets. In 2026, the list of candidates grows, signaling that the window is perceived as open, though perhaps not indefinitely.
Bitpanda, Symbol of a Mature European Crypto
If realized, Bitpanda’s IPO would signify a milestone for the European ecosystem. It would affirm the emergence of a crypto player capable of competing with major American platforms while prioritizing compliance and banking integration.
Beyond future stock performance, the IPO would primarily be a credibility test. A test for European crypto against traditional markets. And in this arena, Bitpanda seems determined to compete at the highest level.
