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.
- 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.