As Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House drives a surge in cryptocurrency interest, a prominent German stock exchange is positioning itself at the forefront of integrating digital assets into traditional financial markets.
Boerse Stuttgart Group, one of Europe’s leading stock exchanges, is betting on the momentum generated by Trump’s pro-crypto stance to solidify its role in the digital asset ecosystem. “The election of Donald Trump and his ambition to project the US as a ‘Bitcoin nation’ is expanding the market,” said Matthias Voelkel, CEO of Boerse Stuttgart Group, in an interview with AFP.
A Growing Crypto Hub in Europe
Over the past five years, Boerse Stuttgart has worked to establish what it claims is Europe’s largest crypto trading platform among traditional stock exchanges. According to Voelkel, cryptocurrency trading accounted for roughly 25% of the exchange’s revenue in 2024, with Bitcoin alone making up nearly half of this activity.
While the exact trading volume was not disclosed, the exchange revealed that it held €4.3 billion worth of cryptocurrencies for its clients by the end of 2024. This achievement reflects a growing trend of wary investors opting for the security of regulated platforms over decentralized exchanges, especially in light of high-profile crypto failures like the collapse of FTX in 2022.
The exchange has attracted over a million crypto clients, including private individuals and professionals, primarily in the German-speaking world. Voelkel himself has invested in Bitcoin, citing confidence in the blockchain technology underpinning the cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin’s Rise and Trump’s Influence
The market’s resurgence has been fueled by Bitcoin’s remarkable rally, which saw the digital asset surpass $100,000 in December 2024. President-elect Trump, a vocal supporter of cryptocurrencies, celebrated the milestone with a trademark social media post: “CONGRATULATIONS BITCOINERS!!! $100,000!!! YOU’RE WELCOME!!! Together, we will Make America Great Again!”
Voelkel believes that Bitcoin’s limited supply and growing demand will sustain its popularity among investors of all demographics. His sentiment is shared by others in the financial sector, as traditional banks and professional investors begin warming to the digital asset market. The European Central Bank estimates that 10% of Europeans now own digital assets.
Competition and Regulation in Europe
Boerse Stuttgart is not alone in Germany’s growing crypto market. Deutsche Boerse, the country’s largest stock exchange, launched its own cryptocurrency trading platform in March 2024. Meanwhile, pan-European exchange operator Euronext facilitates investments in financial products tied to digital assets.
Despite the prospect of deregulation in the US under Trump’s administration, Voelkel is confident that Europe’s well-regulated environment will remain attractive. The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, adopted in 2023, provides a robust framework to protect investors from abuse and manipulation.
“The market in Europe is benefiting from a positive dynamic,” Voelkel told AFP. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a regulated environment, stating that it will ensure continued investor interest in European platforms.
As Boerse Stuttgart forges partnerships with banks and liquidity providers, its CEO envisions the exchange becoming a key partner for financial institutions offering crypto services to their clients.
With Trump’s support energizing the global cryptocurrency market, Europe’s well-regulated exchanges are poised to capitalize on the growing interest, strengthening their position in the digital finance landscape.
