Bitget seeks licensed operations in Bhutan

Bitget has signed an agreement with the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority to explore establishing a licensed local operation in Gelephu and to prepare an application for a financial‑services license in the city’s autonomous economic zone.

The memorandum lays out a process for Bitget and GMC to assess regulatory and operational requirements and to plan a formal license application if conditions allow. Gelephu Mindfulness City is described by its backers as a $100 billion autonomous economic zone partly supported by Bhutan’s national bitcoin reserves and designed to attract roles in finance, technology and wellness.

Under the agreement, Bitget would provide exchange expertise, technical infrastructure experience and support for local talent development while GMC evaluates the company’s suitability to operate within the zone’s regulatory framework. Bitget said the partnership forms part of its effort to establish a presence in Bhutan’s developing digital‑asset sector.

The timeline and exact scope of any licensed operation were not specified. Any formal application and approval would be subject to GMC’s regulatory requirements and further planning between the parties.

The announcement follows GMC’s appointment last week of Canadian digital‑asset manager 3iQ to manage a mandate backed by part of the city’s bitcoin treasury. 3iQ will oversee an undisclosed portion of bitcoin allocated to support Gelephu’s development and has committed to maintaining a long‑term presence in the city, investing in local talent and providing training and knowledge transfer.

Gracy Chen, Bitget’s CEO, wrote that the company looks forward to contributing exchange experience, infrastructure knowledge and local talent development as the ecosystem grows.