Leading cryptocurrency exchange bitFlyer has announced the launch of cross-border trading on its platform. For the first time, users in Europe will be able to access one of the largest bitcoin markets in Japan, while still using a European-regulated platform.

The Japanese bitcoin market is one of the biggest in the world, with approximately 20% [1] of the global BTC to FIAT (national currencies) trading volume being traded against the JPY. As Japan’s leading exchange, more than 70% [2] of the JPY trading volume passes through the bitFlyer platform. This makes the launch of cross-border trading a natural next step for bitFlyer in consolidating its position as a global player.

bitFlyer is now not only the first cryptocurrency exchange that is licensed to operate in Japan, the EU, and the US combined, but is also the first to facilitate this cross-border access to its prized JPY liquidity.

Cross-border trading is of particular benefit to traders looking to handle large volumes, as the increased liquidity will allow for faster execution of trades, reducing the risk of slippage and the spread between buy and sell prices.

Andy Bryant, COO of bitFlyer Europe, said: “The launch of bitFlyer’s cross-border trading is revolutionary for the cryptocurrency industry and a huge milestone for us. Before now, it’s been virtually impossible for traders with Euros to participate in the BTC/JPY trading pair without going through multiple extra steps and/or sign up processes, bringing unwanted inconvenience and delays.      

“bitFlyer is quite simply giving more of its users an unprecedented opportunity to trade in one of the largest and most liquid markets in the world. Those more experienced and successful traders will know just how important it is to seek the most liquid markets, and we’re confident with this launch we can offer a better experience for them and all our users”.

Until now, cross-border trading has posed challenges to traders as it is extremely difficult for overseas users to sign up to Japanese exchanges. bitFlyer’s cross-border trading initiative enables users to access BTC/JPY under their existing bitFlyer Europe account, without the need to open multiple accounts across multiple exchange platforms.

bitFlyer’s long-term objective is to have all spot trading pairs available across all regions, including BTC/JPY in the US, BTC/USD in Europe and Japan, and BTC/EUR in Japan and the US.

Users trading BTC/JPY via bitFlyer Europe will still be subject to the same European privacy policies and their rights will not be affected. All bitFlyer entities are regulated to the highest standards according to their jurisdictions, meaning proper controls and compliance with local AML and KYC laws.

“bitFlyer’s objective has always been to create a truly global cryptocurrency trading platform that allows users to benefit from the scale, depth and liquidity of one, single marketplace. Liquidity is a constant challenge for cryptocurrency markets and is essential to ensure the future growth and sustainability of BTC and the cryptocurrency industry as a whole. Today’s announcement is a huge step forward in that regard,” says Yuzo Kano, Founder of bitFlyer group and Chairman of bitFlyer Europe.

bitFlyer Europe launched in January 2018 as a fully owned subsidiary of bitFlyer, Inc., a household name in the cryptocurrency space in Japan, and one of the longest-standing cryptocurrency exchanges. bitFlyer is the only cryptocurrency exchange to be licenced in Japan, the US and Europe combined, and has also recently been recognised as one of only 10 exchanges [3] that isn’t faking trading volumes.

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