SKN | Bitget Explores Licensed Crypto Expansion in Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City

Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget has signed an agreement with the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority to explore establishing a licensed local operation in Bhutan, marking another step in the country’s efforts to develop a regulated digital asset ecosystem.

The agreement could pave the way for Bitget to establish a legal presence within Gelephu Mindfulness City and begin preparing an application for the appropriate financial services license required to operate in the jurisdiction.

The initiative aligns with Bhutan’s broader strategy of attracting blockchain, fintech and digital asset companies through a regulated and innovation-focused environment.

Supporting Bhutan’s Digital Finance Vision

Gelephu Mindfulness City is being developed as a special autonomous economic zone with an estimated long-term investment target of approximately $100 billion. Backed in part by Bhutan’s national Bitcoin reserves, the project aims to create high-value employment opportunities across finance, technology, digital infrastructure and wellness industries.

Bitget said it intends to contribute its experience operating a global cryptocurrency exchange while helping strengthen the region’s digital finance ecosystem.

“GMC is the emerging hotbed for digital finance, and Bitget looks forward to contributing exchange experience, infrastructure knowledge and local talent development as this ecosystem grows,” said Bitget Chief Executive Officer Gracy Chen.

Momentum Builds Around Bhutan’s Crypto Strategy

The Bitget announcement follows another significant development for Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Last week, Canadian digital asset manager 3iQ was appointed to manage an undisclosed portion of the Bitcoin treasury allocated to support the city’s long-term development.

Under the partnership, 3iQ will establish a permanent presence within Gelephu, invest in local talent and provide education, training and knowledge transfer as Bhutan expands its digital asset capabilities.

The appointment highlights the country’s strategy of partnering with established international firms to build institutional expertise while responsibly managing its growing digital asset reserves.

Bhutan Continues Attracting Crypto Firms

Bhutan has increasingly positioned itself as an emerging destination for blockchain innovation by leveraging its Bitcoin holdings alongside a supportive regulatory framework.

Rather than focusing solely on cryptocurrency mining or treasury management, the country is seeking to attract exchanges, asset managers and financial technology companies capable of building long-term digital infrastructure and creating skilled employment opportunities.

Bitget’s planned expansion represents another example of international crypto companies exploring regulated growth opportunities within Bhutan’s evolving financial ecosystem.

Closing Insights

Bitget’s agreement with Gelephu Mindfulness City reflects Bhutan’s accelerating efforts to establish itself as a regulated digital asset and financial innovation hub. Combined with recent institutional partnerships involving Bitcoin treasury management and blockchain infrastructure, the initiative demonstrates how the country is using its digital asset strategy to attract global financial firms while building a long-term ecosystem focused on responsible innovation and economic diversification.