Bitso — a Chance for Latin American and European Traders: Is It Profitable Now?

Bitso has evolved from a regional cryptocurrency exchange in Mexico into one of the most notable digital asset trading venues in Latin America, expanding its influence into several European markets. In 2025, it stands as a regulated entity in multiple jurisdictions, offering access to major cryptocurrencies and several fiat currencies. This article examines Bitso’s current position, weighing its advantages and drawbacks, assessing its regulatory framework, and exploring its potential as an alternative for traders seeking options beyond Binance or the now-defunct FTX.

Bitso’s Expansion and Current Role in the Global Market

Bitso began its journey in 2014 as a Mexico-based exchange and gradually grew to dominate the Latin American crypto sector, particularly in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. By 2025, it reports more than 7 million users and has introduced euro trading pairs, enabling access for European traders who seek regulated and regionally compliant services. This marks a strategic shift from being solely a regional player to becoming a bridge between Latin America and Europe.

The exchange has invested heavily in infrastructure to support institutional clients, offering APIs for high-frequency trading, custodial services, and integration with local banking systems. These developments helped Bitso attract not only retail traders but also fintech firms seeking liquidity in Latin America’s fast-growing crypto economy. The inclusion of SEPA transfers for euro deposits further eased entry for European users.

Bitso’s global role is now tied to its ability to provide liquidity across different fiat and crypto markets. By supporting both Latin American currencies such as MXN, BRL, and ARS, and European currencies like EUR, it offers cross-border settlement opportunities rarely available on other region-specific exchanges.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Trading on Bitso

One of Bitso’s most significant advantages is its regulatory compliance. It is registered with Mexico’s Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores (CNBV) and operates under the supervision of Brazil’s Central Bank and Argentina’s financial regulators. In Europe, Bitso operates through a licensed entity in Gibraltar, which allows it to serve EEA customers under local financial regulations. This multi-jurisdictional approach boosts trust among traders.

Another strength is Bitso’s fiat integration. Users can deposit and withdraw using local bank transfers in several Latin American countries, SEPA transfers in Europe, and even faster payments in the UK. This reduces conversion costs and allows smooth transitions between fiat and crypto, which is essential for active traders managing risk exposure across volatile markets.

However, Bitso is not without weaknesses. Its trading fees are higher than those on global giants like Binance, which may discourage high-frequency traders. Moreover, its liquidity, while improving, is still lower in some markets, especially for less popular altcoins. Customer support, though responsive, has occasionally faced criticism for slow response times during market surges.

Regulation and Security Measures

Bitso’s regulatory framework stands out as a key factor behind its credibility. The exchange complies with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) obligations in all its operating jurisdictions. This level of compliance aligns it with global standards and reassures institutional and retail traders concerned about the security of their funds.

Security practices at Bitso include cold storage of most customer assets, two-factor authentication (2FA), and regular third-party security audits. Since its launch, there have been no major security breaches reported, which adds to its reputation as a safe venue for trading cryptocurrencies.

Additionally, Bitso is a member of the Latin American Fintech Association and collaborates with regulators to shape local digital asset policies. Its active participation in policy discussions demonstrates its long-term commitment to legal compliance and the sustainable growth of the crypto sector.

Prospects for Investors Seeking Alternatives to Binance-Type Exchanges

As regulatory pressure on global giants like Binance continues to grow, investors increasingly look for reliable regional alternatives. Bitso is well positioned to fill this gap, particularly for those seeking access to the under-served Latin American markets. Its expanding fiat network and regulatory credentials make it a suitable choice for investors aiming to diversify beyond the traditional large exchanges.

Bitso’s growth potential also lies in its regional expertise. While global exchanges often struggle to navigate local regulations, Bitso has built a deep understanding of Latin American financial environments. This local know-how can offer competitive advantages in onboarding new users and ensuring compliance.

However, scalability remains a challenge. If Bitso aims to become a major global competitor, it will need to increase liquidity on lesser-used trading pairs, reduce transaction fees, and improve institutional-grade services. Without these developments, it risks staying a strong regional player without reaching the same scale as global giants.

Market Outlook and Strategic Development in 2025

In 2025, Bitso’s strategic development revolves around deepening its European presence and solidifying its dominance in Latin America. The exchange is working on launching new euro-based stablecoin products and developing crypto payment rails for cross-border businesses. Such projects are designed to link European capital with Latin American innovation, positioning Bitso as a financial bridge between the two regions.

Institutional adoption is another key focus. Bitso has been collaborating with European fintech firms to provide liquidity and compliance infrastructure, aiming to become the go-to partner for companies entering Latin America’s digital asset sector. This could boost its transaction volumes and broaden its appeal beyond retail traders.

Looking ahead, Bitso’s ability to balance regulatory compliance with innovation will determine its trajectory. If it succeeds, it could emerge as one of the few exchanges offering a secure and regulated environment for both Latin American and European traders. If it fails to scale efficiently, it risks being overtaken by newer entrants with more competitive fee structures.

Long-Term Viability for Traders

For traders seeking stability and regional access, Bitso represents a viable option. Its transparent regulatory approach, integration with multiple fiat currencies, and growing European reach make it a strong candidate for those diversifying away from global behemoths. While its growth path faces challenges, its operational record so far shows resilience.

Traders should, however, be aware that crypto markets remain highly volatile, and using any exchange carries inherent risks. Bitso’s strength lies in its reliability and local expertise rather than aggressive speculation or high-leverage trading, which are better served by larger global exchanges.

Ultimately, Bitso can serve as a complementary venue for traders seeking both compliance and exposure to emerging markets. For those who value trust and regulated access, it offers a promising, if not yet dominant, option.