In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, to discuss the exchange’s strategic vision, the impact of institutional ETFs, and how Bitget is innovating in derivatives trading, security, and AI-driven tools. From navigating complex regulatory landscapes to fostering financial inclusion through initiatives like Blockchain4Her and Blockchain4Youth, Chen shares her insights on the future of crypto trading and the exchange’s ambitious roadmap for 2025 and beyond.

With transparency, trust, and technological excellence as its pillars, Bitget is not only shaping the trading experience but also setting new industry standards. Join us as we dive into Bitget’s strategies, challenges, and the opportunities that lie ahead in the dynamic world of Web3.

• Institutional adoption is growing, with ETFs playing a significant role. How do you see this trend impacting the broader crypto ecosystem and Bitget’s strategy?

With the launch of crypto ETFs in 2024, institutional interest in cryptocurrencies has helped them gain recognition as a traditional asset class. As TradFi players enter the crypto ecosystem, these Web2 players need tools that support a smooth transition. For this reason, Bitget is looking to improve its support for institutional clients, including market makers, brokers, asset managers, and large financial institutions.

• Bitget has a strong presence in derivatives trading. Given the increasing demand for structured crypto products, do you plan to expand your offerings in this area?

Bitget plans to strengthen its derivatives trading by expanding institutional services with advanced tools, lower fees, and tailored financial products. The platform aims to attract market makers, asset managers, and brokers by enhancing capital management solutions and offering custom data dashboards for real-time portfolio insights.

Additionally, Bitget will integrate its BGB token into DeFi and payment systems, enabling staking, lending, and real-world transactions. Key innovations such as unified accounts, improved APIs, AI-driven tools, and lending options will further enhance trading efficiency and accessibility.

• The Balkan region has shown a rising interest in crypto, but regulatory clarity varies. How does Bitget navigate compliance and regulation across these diverse markets?

Navigating evolving regulatory landscapes remains a priority. While regulatory scrutiny has increased globally, It’s difficult to navigate various jurisdictions all across the world and customize products and services as per their required local policies. Nevertheless with help of our CLO and legal team Bitget is currently approaching over 15 markets for licensing applications. Bitget continues to engage with policymakers, enhance compliance measures, and secure operational licenses in key jurisdictions.

By maintaining open communication with regulators and proactively adjusting policies, the exchange ensures long-term stability for its users. As the EU continues to lead with regulatory frameworks like MiCA, we see strong potential for sustainable growth and innovation in the region while maintaining compliance.  In Bitget we view regulatory compliance as an integral part of its future success , which is evident through its acquisition of approvals in key markets such as Poland, Italy, Lithuania, UK and recently Bulgaria.

• Security remains a major concern for crypto traders. After recent high-profile exchangehacks, how does Bitget continue to ensure user funds are protected?

Security is paramount to Bitget. We prioritize user safety through robust security measures.We introduced Proof-of-Reserves in December 2022 and have been publishing a monthly report since then that provides a transparent overview of our asset holdings and user balances. The latest report shows a reserve ratio of 186%, significantly exceeding industry standards.We also have a Protection Fund currently valued at over $600 million, to safeguard users’ assets from unforeseen events such as cyber threats or extreme market volatility. Users can monitor the fund’s assets in real time through publicly available wallet addresses.In addition to this, we employ cutting-edge security technologies, including cold wallet storage, full data lifecycle encryption, and partnerships with leading security providers such as Certik and Sumsub,to ensure a secure trading environment for all users.

• Proof of Reserves has become a crucial factor in building trust. Can you provide insights into how Bitget maintains transparency and financial stability?

The newest snapshot shows the updated data highlights an increase of reserves to 186% up from its commitment of 100%. Bitget’s latest proof of reserves reaffirms its financial stability and transparency,showcasing a strong total reserve ratio.  The exchange holds substantial reserves across major assets, ensuring more than full backing of user funds. The breakdown reveals a 322% reserve ratio for Bitcoin, with over 19,393 BTC held against user liabilities of 6,030 BTC. Similarly, Ethereum reserves stand at 173%, with holdings of 199,433 ETH exceeding the 115,051 ETH in user assets.

Stablecoin reserves are also robust, with USDT at 138% and USDC at 121%, showing strong backing. The Merkle root hash verification adds an extra layer of transparency, allowing users to independently verify their assets within Bitget’s system. With 35 million records included in the Merkle tree, the exchange continues to prioritize accountability. By consistently holding reserves well above liabilities, Bitget reinforces trust in its financial health, positioning itself as a secure and reliable platform for crypto traders and investors.The updated PoR showcases Bitget’s efforts in maintaining more than industry standard 100% reserves, which effectively guarantees that users’ assets are safe. The platform is capable of covering user withdrawals, even if all user assets are withdrawn.

• AI-driven trading tools and automated strategies are gaining traction. Is Bitget integrating AI to enhance user experience or trading strategies?

To keep pace, Bitget has started using AI agents to aggregate and analyze market data, providing traders with trading signals, insights, and trend predictions. By using AI, we aim to provide traders with more accurate, real-time information to trade on.

• Copy trading has been one of Bitget’s standout features. Are there any upcoming innovations or improvements in social trading?

Copy trading is the cornerstone of Bitget’s growth strategy and plays a key role in attracting and retaining users. With over 400,000 copy traders and over 100,000 traders to copy from, this trading will continue to be a key feature of Bitget.Bitget sets itself apart in a competitive market through strategic product innovation and user-centric solutions. The platform features like copy trading and AI-driven Bitget Seed, which identifies early-stage Web3 projects, provide users with access to emerging opportunities.

• Bitget has been active in education initiatives like Blockchain4Her and Blockchain4Youth. What impact have these programs had so far, and what are the nextsteps?

Blockchain4Her was launched with the goal of promoting female entrepreneurship and recognizing women’s achievements in blockchain and Web3. While the industry has made progress, there is still a significant gender bias in the space, with only 6% of women-led blockchain startups receiving funding.Through incubation programs, pitch competitions, and awards, Blockchain4Her aims to equip women with the right tools to take on leadership roles in Web3, aligning with Bitget’s vision of creating a more equitable and inclusive future through blockchain.Launched in May 2023,Blockchain4Youth aligns with Bitget’s commitment to inspiring the next generation to embrace blockchain.

With a $10 million pledge over five years, the initiative offers courses, hackathons, and scholarships. By the end of 2024, Bitget had entered over 60 universities, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University College London (UCL), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, National Technological University of Argentina, National Taiwan University, and RMIT University, hosting nearly 100 talks and reaching over 13,000 students.

• What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for crypto exchanges in 2025?

2024 has seen a significant milestone with the approval and launch of cryptocurrency-focused ETFs . Following the success of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs , we expect new offerings to emerge, such as BTC-denominated ETFs, staking-enabled Ethereum ETFs, and diversified index funds. These products are expected to expand access to cryptocurrency investing and attract substantial capital inflows.

Additionally, Bitcoin’s role as a strategic reserve asset is gaining traction. The potential establishment of Bitcoin Strategic Reserves by major nations, including the United States, could significantly enhance Bitcoin’s status and reshape global financial dynamics, driving wider adoption and recognition.Regulatory clarity remains crucial to broader cryptocurrency adoption. Efforts to integrate traditional finance with cryptocurrency, similar to those of some political figures, have the potential to disrupt the financial landscape, driving institutional adoption and fostering innovation. This convergence could further legitimize cryptocurrency, paving the way for the development of sophisticated financial products such as ETFs and tokenized assets, a model that other leading nations could follow.

• What’s next for Bitget in 2025 and beyond? Any major milestones or upcoming projects you can share?

In 2025, we will focus on three core areas: improving institutional VIP services, growing the BGB PayFi ecosystem, and strengthening security and compliance at Bitget. Our approach is focused on strategic global expansion, continuous innovation, and developing user-centric solutions that meet real market needs. We don’t just want to expand, but to revolutionize the way people trade cryptocurrencies by balancing technological development with regulatory compliance.