Bitget Goes Big: Lands Full Crypto License in El Salvador

Crypto exchange Bitget has secured a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) license from El Salvador’s National Commission of Digital Assets. This approval follows an earlier license obtained in 2024 for Bitcoin-related services under the Bitcoin Services Provider (BSP) framework.

With the new DASP license, Bitget can now legally offer a range of crypto services in the country. These include spot and derivatives trading, staking, wallet infrastructure, and custody services. The platform’s ability to operate under both the BSP and DASP licenses gives it full regulatory clearance to serve the local market with a broader set of digital assets.

Expansion of Services for Salvadoran Users

Bitget’s new license allows the exchange to support trading beyond Bitcoin (BTC). Users in El Salvador will be able to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, stablecoins, and altcoins. They will also have access to services such as staking and futures trading.

As part of its expansion, Bitget will offer localized services tailored to Salvadoran users. This includes new tools for managing digital assets and educational efforts to improve crypto literacy in the country. According to the exchange, the goal is to support users with tools for secure and regulated crypto engagement.

Regulatory Landscape and Crypto Adoption in El Salvador

El Salvador introduced Bitcoin as its official legal tender during 2021 which made it the initial nation to do so. The country began working on developing rules that organize digital asset companies after adopting Bitcoin as legal tender. Meanwhile, the Digital Assets Issuance Law entered into effect during January 2023 to guide Bitget and other service providers carrying out their operations.

However, several obstacles have hindered the successful implementation of cryptocurrency in El Salvador. The September 2024 survey of Francisco Gavidia University showed that less than 8% of people conducted Bitcoin transactions. The total flow of remittances utilized crypto methods but these transactions represented an insignificant fraction below 1%.

During January 2025 El Salvador made Bitcoin use optional and dropped the obligation for businesses to accept it. The cooperation agreement signed by El Salvador and Paraguay in March 2025 operates to enhance digital asset company supervision.

Bitget’s Global Strategy and Future Plans

Bitget’s move into El Salvador supports its broader global expansion. The company has recently secured licenses and formed partnerships in regions including Hong Kong, Lithuania, and the UAE. It has also partnered with Cryptorefills to support crypto use in travel.

Hon Ng, Chief Legal Officer at Bitget, shared that the company’s expansion into El Salvador is closely linked to the country’s structured approach to digital asset regulation. “El Salvador is setting the pace with clear and forward-thinking policies around Bitcoin and digital assets,” he said. “At Bitget, we aim to grow in markets where crypto regulations are well-defined, so we can deliver secure and reliable services as part of our broader global strategy.”