Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Coincheck, now under the Netherlands-headquartered Coincheck Group N.V., is making waves in the European crypto market. On Tuesday, the company announced its acquisition of Aplo, a French digital asset prime brokerage firm regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). This strategic move is expected to bolster Coincheck’s presence in Europe—a crucial market for crypto innovation and adoption. The financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed.
Expanding Horizons
Coincheck, originally founded in Tokyo in 2014 and rebranded from its predecessor ResuPress, has steadily grown its footprint in the crypto world. Last year, it made headlines by listing on the Nasdaq through a merger with Thunder Bridge Capital Partners IV, a special purpose acquisition company. This latest acquisition of Aplo marks a significant step in Coincheck’s European ambitions. This mirrors the broader industry trend of strategic acquisitions, as seen in the recent Bitcoin Infrastructure Gets $200-M Boost From Crypto Execs’ SPAC Push.
The transaction, slated for completion in October 2025, involves exchanging all issued and outstanding shares of Aplo for newly minted ordinary shares of Coincheck Group. Gary Simanson, CEO of Coincheck Group, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Aplo brings us proven technology, expertise recognized by institutional clients in Europe, and a high-performance team with an entrepreneurial culture.” The acquisition positions Coincheck to leverage Aplo’s established reputation and regulatory standing in France and potentially beyond.
Navigating the European Crypto Landscape
Aplo, already registered with the AMF as a Digital Asset Service Provider, is in the process of securing a comprehensive crypto asset service provider license under the EU’s Market in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA). This regulatory framework is anticipated to significantly shape the European crypto market, setting standards for transparency and investor protection. Coincheck’s move seems timely as it aligns with the regulatory developments in the region.
Industry analysts are watching this acquisition closely, seeing it as an indicator of the growing trend of consolidation in the crypto space. “The European market is not just about expansion; it’s about gaining credibility and aligning with regulatory expectations,” remarked a crypto market analyst familiar with the deal. Coincheck’s strategic entry into Europe through Aplo might just be the beginning of a broader trend of Japanese firms seeking opportunities in the West, similar to the collaborative efforts highlighted in Crypto execs team up for $200M Bitcoin Infrastructure Acquisition SPAC.
A Look Back and Forward
Coincheck’s journey from a Tokyo-based bitcoin wallet and payment company to a major player on the Nasdaq illustrates the dynamic nature of the crypto industry. The firm has navigated its fair share of challenges, including a significant security breach in 2018, which it overcame by enhancing its security protocols and regaining the trust of its users. This resilience has set the stage for its current expansion efforts.
As Coincheck looks to the future, questions arise about its next steps. Will it pursue further acquisitions to cement its standing in Europe, or perhaps explore other markets? The crypto world is notorious for its unpredictability, and while Coincheck appears to be on a robust path now, the landscape could shift rapidly.
In conclusion, Coincheck’s acquisition of Aplo is a significant move in the crypto exchange’s strategic expansion into Europe. With regulatory landscapes evolving and market dynamics shifting, the coming months will be crucial in determining how Coincheck capitalizes on this new venture. As the industry continues to mature, the interplay between regulation and innovation will likely dictate the pace and direction of future developments.
Source
This article is based on: Nasdaq-Listed Crypto Exchange Group Coincheck Buys Regulated Prime Broker Aplo
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
