Bitcoin Suisse Expands to Portugal with New Crypto Services
On October 20, 2026, Bitcoin Suisse, a Swiss-based cryptocurrency firm, marked its entry into the Portuguese market by launching a suite of crypto services including trading, custody, and staking. This initiative is facilitated through Bitcoin Suisse (Europe) AG, which operates under a license acquired earlier this year through the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework.
Service Offerings
Bitcoin Suisse’s offerings are designed to cater primarily to high-net-worth clients, family offices, and institutional investors rather than casual retail users. The services encompass three essential features:
- Buying and selling cryptocurrency
- Secure custody solutions for storing digital assets
- Staking services, which involve locking tokens to support blockchain networks in return for rewards
Leadership and Operational Strategy
The Portuguese branch will be spearheaded by Rafaella Orelli and Alexander Spann, who are tasked with establishing a robust client base in the region. Their leadership will be pivotal to Bitcoin Suisse’s goal of expanding its market presence following the June licensing.
Regulatory Compliance and Expansion Plans
Bitcoin Suisse (Europe) AG was granted a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license by the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority (FMA) on June 23, 2026. This approval allows the company to provide regulated crypto services across the European Economic Area (EEA) without needing to secure separate licenses in each country, a significant advantage described as “passporting.”
The venture into Portugal is a strategic move in Bitcoin Suisse’s broader expansion plan, leveraging the new regulatory framework to establish a regulated option for large-scale crypto investors. According to Chainalysis, Portugal ranks 20th globally for digital asset adoption on a population-adjusted basis, indicating a promising environment for Bitcoin Suisse’s services.
Company Background
Founded in 2013 in Zug, Switzerland, Bitcoin Suisse has expanded its operations beyond its home country to locations including Bermuda and the UAE. As of now, the firm manages assets reported between $3.5 billion and $4 billion, evidencing its robust presence in the cryptocurrency space.
For Portuguese investors with significant cryptocurrency portfolios, the launch of Bitcoin Suisse represents a new, regulated option within a cohesive EU regulatory framework, distinct from the previous patchwork of local regulations.
