bulgaria

According to SeeNews, Bulgaria's Postbank plans to add stock and cryptocurrency investment features to its mobile banking app. Postbank is a subsidiary of Eurobank Bulgaria AD. This move signifies that traditional banks are integrating digital assets with securities investment services into retail banking channels. The report was published on October 16, 2026, and currently, the page only displays the title, without disclosing details such as the launch time, supported currencies, and partners.

On October 12, 2026, Bulgarian bank Fibank (First Investment Bank) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Austrian licensed cryptocurrency service provider Bitpanda GmbH. The cooperation will allow Fibank customers to directly access cryptocurrency asset service technology provided by Bitpanda through the My Fibank mobile application. The article states that Fibank thus becomes the first bank in Bulgaria to offer integrated cryptocurrency trading access to its customers.Customers can apply and, once approved, use the related services through the embedded Bitpanda interface in My Fibank around the clock, with a minimum investment threshold of 1 euro. The cryptocurrency asset services are provided by Bitpanda, and access depends on Bitpanda's acceptance of potential customers and its applicable terms and standards. The article explains that these digital products are different from traditional deposits and financial instruments, and do not come with guarantees or compensation plans.Fibank CEO Nikola Bakalov stated that the cooperation with Bitpanda is the next step for My Fibank to expand financial services as a digital platform, emphasizing collaboration with European technology partners and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Bitpanda Enterprise's global head Nadeem Ladki stated that the two parties will bring cryptocurrency services to over 1 million customers in Bulgaria. Fibank claims to be the largest bank in Bulgaria by capital holdings, with core operations in Bulgaria and branches in Cyprus and a subsidiary in Albania.

On September 9, the National Assembly of Bulgaria passed an amendment to the Law on Tax and Social Security Procedures with 149 votes in favor, 0 against, and 10 abstentions, which will allow the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency to obtain detailed information about cryptocurrency asset users. The bill was approved by a vote in the 240-seat parliament.The amendment implements two European Union (EU) directives, requiring cryptocurrency-related businesses to register and report users' names, addresses, dates and places of birth, tax residency, and tax identification numbers to the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency, as well as submit transaction data for various cryptocurrency assets, including gross amounts received, transaction quantities, the number of fiat currency trades, and cryptocurrency exchange situations. Privacy advocates criticized the broad scope of data collection, arguing that mandatory disclosure of personal information could pose security risks. Cryptocurrency traders and small businesses expressed that the registration and reporting requirements would increase compliance costs; supporters of the bill believe it aligns with EU standards and helps curb tax evasion. The relevant directives require EU member states to complete adoption by December 31, 2025.

ChainCatcher news, according to official sources, Bitget has obtained a VASP license issued by the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency. With the VASP license, Bitget will be able to provide comprehensive cryptocurrency services in Bulgaria, including trading, transfers, custody, public offerings, and wallet services.Bitget's Chief Legal Officer Hon Ng stated, "Bitget's goal is to provide efficient and compliant services to users across the EU. As the EU continues to lead the introduction of regulatory frameworks such as MiCA, we see tremendous potential for sustainable growth and innovation in the region while remaining compliant.In 2025, Bitget will focus on global expansion, particularly ensuring that our operations comply with the regulatory standards of various regions, thereby enhancing user trust, ensuring long-term growth, and keeping up with the latest developments in global regulations."

ChainCatcher news, the Bulgarian football team Botev Plovdiv FC will start offering Bitcoin bonuses to its players.

ChainCatcher news, according to a report by Reuters, cryptocurrency lending company Nexo is seeking $3 billion in damages from Bulgaria over a halted criminal investigation, claiming that the investigation derailed its plans to go public in the U.S. and a football sponsorship deal. "The investigation tarnished its reputation and undermined shareholder value."The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), based in Washington, is an international arbitration institution that handles disputes between international investors and states. Its website shows that the case was registered on January 18. An ICSID spokesperson could not confirm the amount of damages requested or other details. The Bulgarian Ministry of Finance stated that it has received the arbitration request from the ICSID, which will be reviewed by a specialized interdepartmental committee before proposing next steps. The prosecutor's office is also one of the defendants in the case.Previous reports indicated that Bulgarian authorities had dropped the money laundering investigation against Nexo executives. The investigation was launched on September 29, 2022, focusing on allegations of involvement with organized crime groups and unauthorized banking activities through Nexo. Under relevant laws, four Nexo executives were accused of operating an organized crime group from 2018 to January 2023. Additionally, two of them faced charges for conducting unauthorized banking transactions between June 2018 and January 2023, involving lending and deposits in various currencies on the Nexo platform without proper authorization under the Credit Institutions Act (CLI).

ChainCatcher news, the Sofia Prosecutor's Office has withdrawn the money laundering investigation against Nexo executives, as their actions were deemed legal.The investigation was initiated on September 29, 2022, focusing on allegations of involvement in organized crime groups and unauthorized banking activities through Nexo. According to relevant laws, four individuals were accused of operating an organized crime group from 2018 to January 2023. Additionally, two of them faced charges for conducting unauthorized banking transactions from June 2018 to January 2023, involving lending and depositing various currencies on the Nexo platform without the proper authorization under the Credit Institutions Law (CLI).

ChainCatcher news, according to Cointelegraph, Bulgarian football club Botev Plovdiv FC adopts Bitcoin and the Lightning Network for payments, allowing fans to make peer-to-peer payments using Bitcoin. Botev Plovdiv FC has also created an account on the decentralized protocol Nostr.

ChainCatcher news, Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor spokesperson Siika Mileva denied the political motives behind the investigation of the crypto lending platform Nexo, stating that "investigating these institutions has become a nationwide campaign." The case involves so-called "modern cybercrime," and the investigation has been ongoing for several months in collaboration with international partners. Additionally, she revealed that an independent international auditor will examine Nexo's activities.It is reported that on January 12, Bulgarian police raided Nexo's offices and stated they would coordinate with their counterparts in the United States and the United Kingdom regarding the investigation of Nexo's alleged money laundering and tax crimes. Four Nexo personnel have been charged with money laundering, tax crimes, computer fraud, and unlicensed banking. Two were released on bail of nearly $550,000. The other two remain unaccounted for in Bulgaria and have been declared international fugitives. (cointelegraph)

ChainCatcher news, Bulgarian investigators stated that they have been coordinating with their counterparts in the United States and the United Kingdom regarding the investigation into Nexo, which has a large volume of transactions from individuals and companies in Russia that are sanctioned by the EU. (Jin Ten)

ChainCatcher news, the crypto lending platform Nexo plans to sue the Bulgarian government, claiming that the raid on Nexo's Sofia office yesterday was illegal, and Nexo is also seeking compensation for the related losses.Previously, Bulgarian police raided Nexo's office to investigate allegations of money laundering and tax crimes related to Nexo. (source link)