Coinbase Extends Bitcoin Access to International Customers
Coinbase is taking its Bitcoin services to Europe in a move that could help expand the virtual currency’s reach.
The company, one of the most popular digital wallet providers, said on Wednesday that it was expanding to 13 European countries, including France, Italy and the Netherlands, by allowing those with authorized European bank accounts to buy and sell Bitcoins in exchange for euros.
In the beginning, Coinbase, based in San Francisco, will limit Bitcoin purchases and sales to 500 euros, or about $645, a day to ensure the process is smooth, but Mr. Ehrsam said he expected that limit to increase quickly.
Coinbase’s move comes as Bitcoin is at a pivotal point in its development. Bitcoin has undeniably become more popular since it was introduced in 2009 by an anonymous founder known as Satoshi Nakamoto, with a number of well-known merchants, including Overstock and Dell, now accepting the virtual currency.
Regulators around the world have taken note of Bitcoin as well, stirring anxiety in some circles that government oversight will squash the freedom and anonymity that attracts many virtual currency users.
Source: NYT
