BitFlyer
| Native name | 株式会社bitFlyer |
| Industry | Cryptocurrency exchange |
| Founded | January 2014 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Founder(s) | Yuzo Kano |
| Website | https://bitflyer.com/ |
bitFlyer is a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange operated by bitFlyer, Inc. (株式会社bitFlyer). Yuzo Kano established the company in January 2014.[1]
History
Company history materials list the following milestones.[1]
- January 2014: bitFlyer, Inc. established
- September 2014: participation in founding JADA (later JBA)
- July 2015: bitFlyer Lightning trading interface launched
- April 2016: fundraising of about ¥3 billion
- December 2016: announcement of the Miyabi blockchain
- January 2017: company claim of first place in worldwide bitcoin trading volume
- April 2017: bitcoin payment service for Bic Camera
- September 2017: registration as a virtual currency exchange service provider (now crypto-asset exchange)
- October 2017: headquarters move to Tokyo Midtown
- November 2017: US entity licence
- January 2018: European entity licence
- April 2018: participation in founding JVCEA
- May 2019: bitFlyer Blockchain, Inc. established
- October 2021: registration as a Type I Financial Instruments Business Operator
- December 2021: bitFlyer credit card launch
- April 2024: bitFlyer Crypto CFD launch
- 20 June 2024: agreement to acquire FTX Japan (court hearing expected July 2024)
- November 2024: company timeline claim that domestic customer assets under custody exceeded ¥1 trillion
The November 2024 custody figure is a company timeline claim.
FTX Japan
On 20 June 2024 bitFlyer Holdings announced agreement to acquire FTX Japan K.K., subject to U.S. bankruptcy court approval in the FTX proceedings (a hearing was expected in July 2024), with plans described around institutional crypto custody rather than immediately restarting the prior FTX Japan retail venue.[2]
Products
bitFlyer operates a crypto-asset exchange for retail and professional users in Japan under Financial Services Agency registration. Group materials also describe crypto custody initiatives and the Miyabi blockchain developed by bitFlyer Blockchain.[1]