Europe’s crypto sector may soon welcome one of its most anticipated stock market debuts. Bitpanda, one of the continent’s largest retail cryptocurrency platforms, is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering in the first half of 2026, signaling growing confidence in public markets for digital asset firms.
According to Bloomberg, the Vienna-based exchange could pursue a valuation between €4 billion and €5 billion, with plans to list shares on Frankfurt’s stock exchange, one of Europe’s most liquid financial hubs.
From Startup to European Crypto Powerhouse
Founded in 2014, Bitpanda has steadily grown into a dominant player in Europe’s crypto ecosystem. The company claims to serve more than seven million users, primarily retail investors seeking access to cryptocurrencies and digital investment products.
While Bitpanda does not publish detailed trading volume figures, estimates from consultancy firm EY suggest the platform accounts for nearly 60% of Austria’s domestic crypto trading market—a remarkable share that underscores its regional influence.
Banking Giants Reportedly Lined Up
To support the potential listing, Bitpanda has reportedly enlisted some of the world’s most powerful investment banks, including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank. Sources indicate the IPO could arrive as early as the first quarter of 2026, depending on market conditions.
Bitpanda has not officially confirmed the reports, but the scale of the rumored valuation and banking support suggests the company is positioning itself as one of Europe’s flagship crypto listings.
Why Frankfurt, Not London?
The decision to pursue a Frankfurt listing appears strategic. Bitpanda previously ruled out a London IPO in August, with CEO Eric Demuth publicly citing concerns over liquidity. He noted that major financial centers such as Frankfurt and New York offer deeper capital pools, a factor that has influenced other European firms to bypass London in recent years.
High-profile companies, including fintech giant Wise, have also chosen alternative markets, reinforcing Frankfurt’s growing appeal for tech and financial listings.
Crypto IPO Momentum Rolls Into 2026
Bitpanda’s potential IPO follows what many consider a record-breaking year for crypto listings in 2025. Several major industry players made their public market debuts, including Circle, the issuer of USDC, crypto exchange Bullish, and trading platform eToro.
The momentum has not slowed. Competitors such as Kraken have already filed confidentially for an IPO, reportedly carrying a $20 billion valuation, while firms like FalconX, Grayscale, and Blockchain.com have openly discussed plans to go public.
BitGo Sets the Pace for 2026
The new year has already seen fresh activity. Crypto custody and wallet provider BitGo recently filed for a New York Stock Exchange listing, with its IPO expected to value the company at nearly $2 billion. The offering is currently scheduled for January 21, setting an early benchmark for 2026 crypto listings.
A Defining Moment for European Crypto
If confirmed, Bitpanda’s Frankfurt IPO would mark one of the largest crypto listings in Europe to date. More broadly, it would highlight how digital asset firms are increasingly turning to public markets as regulatory clarity improves and institutional acceptance deepens.
For investors, Bitpanda’s move could signal that the crypto industry’s next growth phase may be unfolding not just on blockchains—but on global stock exchanges as well.