BitPanda’s Wild New Plan: Stocks, ETFs, and a Unicorn?

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  • Bitpanda, that paragon of innovation, is about to add 10,000 stocks and ETFs to its app, because apparently, the world wasn’t chaotic enough.
  • This expansion will transform Bitpanda from a crypto-centric upstart into a “universal exchange”-a term that probably means they’ll sell you a sandwich if you ask nicely.
  • Once fully launched, users can trade traditional assets and crypto for a mere 1 euro per transaction. Because nothing says “trust us” like a euro fee.

Platforms are now scrambling to become the “one-stop shop” for all your financial needs, and Bitpanda is the latest to join the chaos. According to reports, starting January 29, the Vienna-based company will open access to 10,000 stocks and ETFs. Let’s be clear: this is not a revolution, it’s a very expensive party.

This change would allow investors to manage their entire portfolio within a single application. Or, as some might call it, a digital version of a piggy bank with a 50% chance of bursting into flames.

Bitpanda Expands Into Stocks and ETFs

Bitpanda is targeting the European Union with its latest rollout of “real stocks.” What this means is that, unlike some competitors that use tokenised versions, these are actual securities. Or as a confused investor might say, “I thought I was buying a fraction of a company, not a passport to financial oblivion.”

Bitpanda Just Became Europe’s First Universal Exchange

Let me tell you what just happened in Europe. quietly launched something nobody else has done.

They just became the first exchange in Europe where you can trade crypto, stocks, AND ETFs all in one place.

One…

– Dan @BeAWhale (@BeAWhale_io)

This move would also help the firm compete with traditional brokers while retaining its crypto-native audience. Because nothing says “we understand your needs” like a flat fee of 1 euro and a promise that your funds won’t vanish into the void.

BitPanda is also doing this with simplicity in mind, as trading these assets will incur a flat fee of only 1 euro per transaction. Because nothing says “we care about our users” like a euro.

The company also confirmed that there will be no custody charges or withdrawal fees for these products. In all, this transparency is in place to attract retail investors who are tired of hidden costs. Or, as they might call it, “a well-orchestrated scam.”

The Universal Exchange Race Hits Europe

Bitpanda’s decision to expand comes amid similar moves by other giants in the game, such as Kraken and Coinbase. Because nothing says “we’re serious” like a $5 billion valuation and a team of lawyers who can’t stop laughing.

Coinbase has come a long way in the last ~13 years (and since this photo!).

I’m extremely proud of everything we’ve achieved – becoming the most trusted crypto exchange, and putting in so much hard work to legitimize our industry.

And this week, we’re starting the next…

– Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong)

Kraken recently launched over 11,000 US-listed stocks to bring digital assets and equities together. Because obviously, more is better. Coinbase also followed suit by rebranding its wallet as an “everything app.” Because nothing says “we’re modern” like a wallet that can also tell you your life story.

All of these companies expanding this way have been described by research firms like Delphi Digital as the “super app” race. Or, as a disgruntled user might call it, “a digital version of a circus where everyone’s a ringmaster.”

Within this new system, value is moving from the protocols themselves to the platforms that have the most users. Bitpanda already serves over 7 million registered customers across Europe, making it a one-stop shop by offering 650 crypto assets alongside thousands of stocks. Or, as a nervous investor might say, “I hope they’re not all in the same boat.”

This helps the firm stay relevant, even if the general crypto market starts to pull back from the “up-only” phase. Because nothing says “we’re resilient” like a platform that can’t decide if it’s a bank or a casino.

Regulation is a major part of this expansion too, as the firm operates under the Markets in Crypto Assets framework in Europe (also known as MiCA). It even holds licenses that cover the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom. Because nothing says “we’re legal” like a stack of paperwork that could double as a doorstop.

This legal foundation is what gives users confidence that their money is safe. Or, as a skeptical analyst might put it, “safe until the next audit, which will probably be a surprise.”

New Tools for Modern Portfolio Management

The new offering includes roughly 8,000 equities and 2,500 ETFs for both full and fractional investors. As context, fractional investing is helpful for people who cannot afford a whole share of expensive companies. Or, as a broke student might say, “I can finally own a piece of Apple without selling my soul.”

Automatic tax withholding will also be available for users in Germany and Austria from the start. Because nothing says “we’re helpful” like a system that takes your money before you even realize it’s gone.

Additionally, beyond just trading, the firm is also building out its infrastructure. They recently added 830 megawatts of power to their Helios data centre, which helps them manage the data needs of an international exchange. Because nothing says “we’re serious” like a data center that could power a small city.

They are also working with Deutsche Bank to launch new custody services. Because nothing says “we’re trustworthy” like partnering with a bank that once had to be bailed out by the government.

Preparing for the Future of Investing

As the fintech industry matures, the barriers between different asset classes are disappearing. Or, as a confused investor might say, “Why do I need a calculator to buy a stock?”

This means that users no longer want to jump between five different apps to check their investments. Instead, they want a clean and fast interface that handles everything. Or, as a user might grumble, “I just want my money to multiply without me having to explain it to a robot.”

Markets are also watching the $5 billion valuation target for the upcoming IPO success in the stock and ETF space. If this happens, it will likely boost the company’s value before the listing, and Goldman Sachs and Citigroup are already working to arrange the deal. Because nothing says “we’re a big deal” like a bunch of bankers who think they’re the only ones who know what’s going on.

In all, Bitpanda is transitioning from a simple crypto broker to a universal exchange. Or, as a jaded observer might say, “They’re just another brick in the wall of financial chaos.”

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2026-01-22 00:03