Bitget Targets Bhutan Expansion with Gelephu Mindfulness City License Agreement
By Lauren Towner · 10 August 2026
In brief: Bitget has signed a cooperation agreement with the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority to secure a Financial Services Licence and establish a legal presence in Bhutan's emerging digital finance hub.
| Primary Entity | Bitget |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan |
| Regulatory Framework | Financial Services Act 2025 |
| User Base | 125 million users |

Quick Summary
Bitget has signed a cooperation agreement with the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority to establish a legal presence and secure a Financial Services Licence in Bhutan. This partnership leverages Bhutan's green energy resources and regulatory framework to build a world-class digital asset ecosystem within the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Special Administrative Region.
How is Bitget expanding its footprint in Bhutan?
Bitget is establishing a legal presence in the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) to provide regulated financial services. By signing this pact, Bitget will prepare a formal application for a Financial Services Licence under the Financial Services Act 2025. This move allows the exchange to integrate into Bhutan's unique economic strategy, which focuses on sustainable digital innovation and hydropower-backed infrastructure.
- Local hiring and office presence to foster talent.
- Contribution of market infrastructure knowledge to the SAR.
- Collaboration on regulatory workstreams with the GFSO.
What makes Gelephu Mindfulness City a hub for digital assets?
Gelephu Mindfulness City serves as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) designed to be a next-generation international financial hub. It operates under a specific virtual asset regime that prioritizes institutional standards and long-term economic value. Bhutan's commitment is further evidenced by its 2025 Bitcoin Development Pledge, which signaled a sovereign-level integration of digital assets into the national economy.
- Powered by abundant renewable energy (hydropower).
- Governed by the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO).
- Focus on knowledge transfer and capability building.
What role does Bitget play in Bhutan's digital ecosystem?
As a Universal Exchange serving 125 million users, Bitget brings global exchange experience to a nascent market. The partnership aims to develop local capabilities while ensuring the ecosystem meets international regulatory benchmarks. Bitget's CEO, Gracy Chen, noted that the region's clean-energy advantage makes it a primary destination for responsible digital finance growth.
FF NEWS TAKE:
Bitget’s move into Bhutan is a masterstroke in sovereign-level partnership. While many exchanges chase high-volume, high-regulation markets in the West, Bitget is embedding itself in a green-energy powerhouse with clear, forward-looking laws. This isn't just a license application; it's a strategic alignment with a nation that views digital assets as a core pillar of its economic future. It absolutely moves the needle for institutional crypto adoption in Asia.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bitget's plan for Gelephu Mindfulness City in Bhutan?
Bitget plans to establish a legal presence and apply for a Financial Services Licence within the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The exchange will work with local authorities on regulatory and ecosystem-building workstreams, including local hiring and office establishment to support the region's growth as an international financial and innovation hub.
How does Bhutan regulate digital assets in Gelephu Mindfulness City?
Digital asset activities in GMC are governed by the Financial Services Act 2025 and subsidiary rulebooks. The Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO) acts as the regulator, requiring firms to obtain a Financial Services Licence to carry out regulated financial or virtual asset activities within the Special Administrative Region.
Why is Bitget expanding into Bhutan?
Bitget is expanding into Bhutan to leverage the country's unique combination of regulatory clarity, long-term economic thinking, and clean-energy advantages. Bhutan's use of hydropower for green cryptocurrency mining and its Bitcoin Development Pledge make it an attractive partner for building a sustainable digital asset ecosystem.
About the companies
Bitget
Website · 139 stories on FF News since 2023
Previously on FF News:
- Bitget Hits $1.86 Trillion Q3 Trading Volume as Cross-Asset Strategy Accelerates 5 November 2026
- Bitget Launches Open Custody Network to Decouple Institutional Asset Custody from Trading 5 November 2026
- Bitget Launches #NoCap Affiliate Program Offering Lifetime Recurring Commissions Across Multi-Asset Markets 2 November 2026
Companies in this story: Bitget, Unicef
People in this story: Gracy Chen