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Bitget Targets Bhutan Expansion with Gelephu Mindfulness City License Agreement

By Lauren Towner · 10 August 2026

Press Release: Bitget Targets Bhutan Expansion with Gelephu Mindfulness City License Agreement | Featured Image by FF News

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.

Companies in this story: Bitget, Unicef

People in this story: Gracy Chen

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