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Bitget Signs Deal To Expand Into Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City

Created at 6 Aug · 1:26 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Crypto exchange Bitget has signed a cooperation agreement with Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority in Bhutan to establish a presence and advance the country's digital asset industry. The partnership aims to develop a regulated digital finance hub.

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Key Numbers

December 2025Bitcoin Development Pledge signing date

Who's Involved

Bitget
Crypto exchange signing cooperation agreement with Bhutan
Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMCA)
Bhutanese authority partnering with Bitget
Gracy Chen
CEO at Bitget
Jigdrel Singay
Board Director of Gelephu Mindfulness City
Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO)
Bhutanese office responsible for financial services licensing

↳ Why This Matters

This partnership signifies Bhutan's strategic push to become a regulated hub for digital finance and innovation, potentially attracting foreign investment and expertise while leveraging its clean energy resources. It also marks a significant expansion for Bitget into a new, developing market with a clear regulatory framework.

Key facts

  • Bitget has entered into a cooperation agreement with Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMCA).
  • The crypto exchange plans to establish a legal entity and seek a Financial Services Licence within Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
  • The partnership aims to develop a regulated digital asset ecosystem in Bhutan.
  • Bhutan is leveraging its hydropower resources for environmentally sustainable cryptocurrency mining.
  • GMC is envisioned as an international hub for finance and innovation.
  • Crypto exchange Bitget has signed a cooperation agreement with the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMCA) in Bhutan, signaling a move to establish a presence and advance the country's digital asset industry. The partnership outlines plans for Bitget to set up a legal entity within Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) and apply for a Financial Services Licence from the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO).

    This collaboration is part of Bhutan's broader strategy to diversify its economy, create jobs, and attract skilled workers by developing a robust digital finance ecosystem. GMC, located in southern Bhutan, is being developed as an international hub for finance and innovation, operating under the Financial Services Act 2025. Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, highlighted Bhutan's "rare mix of long-term thinking, clean-energy advantage and regulatory clarity" in its approach to digital assets. Bitget intends to contribute its exchange experience, infrastructure knowledge, and support local talent development.

    Bhutan has positioned itself as a leader in environmentally sustainable cryptocurrency mining, utilizing its abundant hydropower resources. The country's commitment to digital assets was further demonstrated by signing the Bitcoin Development Pledge in December 2025. Jigdrel Singay, Board Director of GMC, emphasized the objective to build a world-class digital asset ecosystem based on strong regulation and institutional standards, with partners like Bitget playing a crucial role in bringing global expertise.

    Frequently asked questions

    Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a special administrative region in southern Bhutan being developed as an international hub for finance and innovation.

    Bitget will establish a presence in GMC, apply for a Financial Services Licence, and contribute its exchange infrastructure expertise and knowledge to develop the local digital asset ecosystem.

    Bhutan is promoting digital assets with a focus on long-term thinking, clean energy, and regulatory clarity, aiming to diversify its economy and attract skilled workers.

    What Happens Next

    01Bitget will submit an application for a Financial Services Licence with the GFSO.
    02Bitget will work with GMCA on operational, compliance, and ecosystem development initiatives.
    03Bitget plans to develop a local team and office presence in GMC.

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    Cadence

    How It Developed

    Bitget signed a cooperation agreement with Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMCA).
    Bitget plans to establish a legal entity and apply for a Financial Services Licence in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
    The partnership will focus on operational, compliance, and ecosystem development initiatives.
    Bhutan aims to diversify its economy, create jobs, and attract skilled workers through digital assets.
    GMC is being developed as an international hub for finance and innovation.
    Companies operating in GMC require a Financial Services Licence from the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO).
    Bitget plans to provide exchange infrastructure expertise and develop a local team and office.
    Bhutan signed the Bitcoin Development Pledge in December 2025.

    Sources

    T1
    Bitget Signs Deal To Expand Into Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness CityCoinGape

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