Finst B.V.

Finst B.V. is a Dutch cryptocurrency exchange founded in Amsterdam in 2022 by former DEGIRO executives Julien Vallet and Marcel Putina. Operating as a registered crypto-asset service provider under the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), the platform offers low-cost access to digital assets for European Union residents.

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Finst's founding story reflects the entrepreneurial evolution of the European fintech sector. Co-founders Julien Vallet and Marcel Putina leveraged their extensive experience from DEGIRO, where they contributed to revolutionizing European retail stock trading, to address similar inefficiencies they identified in the cryptocurrency market. After recognizing that crypto investors faced the same obstacles that once plagued traditional stock trading—excessive fees, opacity, and limited functionality—they launched Finst in January 2023 with backing from several Quote 500 members and strategic investors.

The platform achieved several crucial milestones in rapid succession. Within eight months of launch, Finst became the first Dutch cryptocurrency platform to complete an extensive Proof of Reserves audit conducted by independent firm AuditNow, establishing a new transparency standard for the Dutch crypto industry. This comprehensive audit went beyond traditional approaches by verifying not only on-chain holdings but also off-chain cash reserves, asset segregation practices, and operational procedures.

In 2024, Finst secured €4 million in seed funding led by Deribit through its parent company Sentillia B.V., achieving a €70 million valuation that positioned the company for aggressive European expansion. The funding round attracted participation from existing investors and new strategic angels, providing the capital foundation for product development and market expansion initiatives.

The transformative moment came in November 2024 when Finst executed a strategic acquisition of assets from Anycoin Direct, one of Europe's established crypto brokers operating since 2013. This transaction created immediate synergies, combining Anycoin's established customer relationships and regulatory credentials with Finst's innovative technology platform and competitive pricing structure. The integration resulted in dramatic growth metrics, with trading volumes increasing by 400% year-over-year and user base expansion to over 500,000 active investors across European markets.

Business Model & Core Services

Finst operates a comprehensive cryptocurrency exchange and investment platform built around a transparent, low-cost business model that prioritizes user value over profit maximization. The platform's primary revenue stream derives from a flat 0.15% trading fee applied to all cryptocurrency transactions, representing what the company claims is 93% savings compared to industry averages. This fee structure includes no hidden costs, spreads, or volume requirements, ensuring predictable pricing for users regardless of their trading frequency or investment size.

The platform supports over 340 digital assets with comprehensive EUR trading pair coverage, enabling seamless fiat-to-crypto conversions through multiple European payment methods including SEPA transfers, iDEAL, and Bancontact across 28 supported currencies. Finst differentiates itself through its "1:1 trading model," meaning users trade actual cryptocurrencies rather than contracts-for-difference or synthetic instruments, with all assets held in segregated custody through the bankruptcy-remote Stichting Finst Custody entity.

Beyond basic trading services, Finst offers innovative investment products including Crypto Bundles—diversified cryptocurrency portfolios that automatically rebalance monthly for a modest 0.10% fee. These bundles include themed options such as Top 2, Top 5, Top 10, Top 25, and sector-specific collections like DeFi and Green crypto portfolios. The platform also provides staking services for major cryptocurrencies with yields up to 10% APY, Auto Invest functionality for dollar-cost averaging strategies, and comprehensive portfolio analytics powered by CryptoCompare integration.

The company explicitly avoids high-risk revenue streams such as margin trading, derivatives, or lending services, focusing instead on sustainable growth through volume-based commission income and value-added services that align with user success.

Regulatory Compliance & Trust

Finst demonstrates exceptional commitment to regulatory compliance within the evolving European cryptocurrency framework. The platform operates under full authorization from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) as a registered crypto-asset service provider, ensuring adherence to the Netherlands' implementation of the EU's Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive and positioning for seamless MiCA compliance as regulations mature.

The company's regulatory excellence is evidenced through its industry-first comprehensive Proof of Reserves audit, conducted by independent Dutch auditor AuditNow. This extensive verification process goes beyond traditional reserve audits by confirming asset segregation through Stichting Finst Custody, verifying 1:1 client asset backing, and establishing that all client funds are held in designated bank accounts and wallets without possibility of commingling with corporate assets. The audit confirmed that client assets are fully segregated and recoverable within two business days under any circumstances.

Finst maintains transparent compliance practices including rigorous KYC procedures, transaction monitoring systems, and comprehensive audit trails that exceed minimum regulatory requirements. The platform's clean regulatory record and proactive transparency initiatives position it favorably for long-term operational continuity as European cryptocurrency regulations continue evolving under MiCA's comprehensive framework.

The company's partnership with Anycoin Direct has further strengthened its compliance credentials, as Anycoin held the distinction of being the first Dutch provider to secure a crypto trading and custody license from Germany's BaFin, alongside registrations in Austria and the Netherlands.

Economics & Value Proposition

Finst's economic model centers on providing institutional-grade cryptocurrency access at unprecedented low costs for European retail investors. The platform's headline 0.15% flat trading fee represents significant savings compared to typical industry rates, with no additional spread costs, minimum transaction requirements, or hidden charges that commonly impact overall trading economics.

European users benefit from exceptional fiat integration through free SEPA transfers, competitive currency conversion rates across 28 supported currencies, and instant payment processing through region-specific methods. The platform accommodates investments starting from €1, removing traditional barriers that limit cryptocurrency access for smaller investors.

The Crypto Bundles offering provides additional value through professionally managed diversified portfolios at 0.10% monthly management fees, including automated monthly rebalancing at no additional trading costs. Staking services generate competitive yields up to 10% APY on major cryptocurrencies, while Auto Invest functionality enables systematic investment strategies with minimum €10 recurring purchases.

Finst's transparent pricing extends beyond trading to comprehensive fee disclosure across all services, with no account maintenance charges, inactivity fees, or surprise costs that characterize many competitive platforms. The company's commitment to cost transparency aligns with its broader mission of democratizing cryptocurrency investing for European retail investors who traditionally faced institutional-level fees without corresponding service levels.

Market Position & Suitability

Finst occupies a distinctive position as the cost-leader among regulated European cryptocurrency exchanges, serving users who prioritize competitive pricing, regulatory compliance, and transparent operations. The platform excels for Conservative Retail Investors seeking straightforward cryptocurrency exposure through a regulated, user-friendly platform with institutional-grade security standards and comprehensive European banking integration.

The platform particularly benefits Active EUR Traders who require cost-effective, frequent trading capabilities combined with deep European market liquidity and seamless fiat integration. Finst's competitive fee structure and extensive EUR trading pair coverage make it especially suitable for European users focused on major cryptocurrency investments without complex derivatives or margin trading requirements.

The Anycoin Direct asset acquisition has expanded Finst's addressable market to include users seeking established platform credibility combined with innovative pricing and product features. The integration creates compelling value for users who previously accepted higher fees in exchange for operational reliability, now accessing both advantages through the combined platform.

However, Professional and Institutional Traders requiring advanced derivatives access, margin trading, or sophisticated API capabilities may find Finst's feature set limiting compared to global exchanges focused on professional trading tools. The platform's emphasis on retail user experience and regulatory compliance takes precedence over advanced trading functionality.

Users prioritizing maximum cryptocurrency variety or cutting-edge DeFi integration should note that Finst maintains a curated approach to asset selection, focusing on established cryptocurrencies rather than emerging tokens or experimental protocols. This conservative approach enhances security and regulatory compliance while potentially limiting exposure to the broadest cryptocurrency innovation.

Technology & User Experience

Finst delivers a streamlined technology platform optimized for European users who prioritize simplicity without sacrificing functionality. The proprietary trading system operates across web and mobile applications, with feature parity ensuring consistent user experience regardless of access method. The platform's design philosophy emphasizes intuitive navigation and clear information presentation, making cryptocurrency investing accessible to newcomers while providing sufficient tools for experienced traders.

Mobile applications maintain strong performance ratings, with over 10,000 downloads on Google Play achieving a 3.3/5 rating and iOS App Store rating of 4.3/5 based on user feedback. The platform provides blazing-fast execution for real-time cryptocurrency trading, supported by robust infrastructure that maintains stability during high-demand periods.

Customer support operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central European Time, providing multi-channel assistance through email, live chat, and comprehensive help center resources. User reviews consistently highlight exceptionally fast response times, with many customers reporting issue resolution within minutes rather than hours typical of industry standards. The support team demonstrates strong technical expertise and proactive problem-solving capabilities that enhance overall user confidence.

Platform reliability maintains strong uptime records with minimal service interruptions, supporting the needs of active traders who require consistent market access. The technology stack prioritizes security and performance over cutting-edge features, creating a dependable foundation that users can trust for their cryptocurrency investment activities.

Security infrastructure represents Finst's flagship achievement, implementing institutional-grade protection measures that have earned recognition as the first Dutch platform to complete comprehensive independent security audits. The platform maintains industry-leading practices through partnership with established custodial solutions and Dutch banks, ensuring maximum asset protection through multiple security layers.

The cornerstone of Finst's security approach is complete asset segregation through Stichting Finst Custody, a bankruptcy-remote entity that holds all client cryptocurrencies and fiat funds separately from corporate assets. This structure ensures that client holdings remain fully protected and recoverable regardless of any corporate financial circumstances. The independent Proof of Reserves audit verified that the platform holds client assets on a full 1:1 basis with additional reserves, confirming that user funds are never used for lending, trading, or any other corporate activities.

Technical security measures include comprehensive cold storage practices for the majority of user assets, multi-signature wallet implementations, and enterprise-grade protocols developed in partnership with established custodial providers. The platform utilizes SOC 2 Type II certified custodial solutions with Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology and hardware isolation, creating multiple layers of technical protection.

User security features include mandatory two-factor authentication, device pairing for account access control, and withdrawal whitelisting to prevent unauthorized fund transfers. The platform maintains a clean security record with no historical breaches or fund losses, establishing confidence among security-conscious European users who prioritize asset protection over speculative trading features.

Scalping-Friendliness (Commissions, Leverage & Slippage)

Finst’s flat 0.15% trading fee is competitive for frequent spot trades, but the platform does not offer margin or derivatives, which limits leverage-based scalping. Liquidity on major EUR pairs is generally adequate for retail sizes, yet the toolkit and market depth are not optimized for high‑frequency tactics. Net: suitable for cost‑conscious spot trading; not designed for leveraged scalping.

Conclusion

Finst B.V. has established itself as a compelling European cryptocurrency exchange that successfully combines competitive pricing with institutional-grade security and regulatory compliance. The company's rapid growth trajectory, evidenced by its 400% volume increase and strategic asset acquisitions, demonstrates strong execution of its mission to democratize cryptocurrency investing for European retail investors.

The platform's key strengths—ultra-low 0.15% trading fees, comprehensive Proof of Reserves transparency, and exceptional European regulatory compliance—create significant competitive advantages within the increasingly regulated European market. The successful integration of Anycoin Direct's assets has strengthened Finst's market position while expanding its addressable user base and operational capabilities.

Looking ahead, Finst appears well-positioned to benefit from continued European cryptocurrency adoption under the evolving MiCA framework, where regulatory compliance becomes increasingly important for platform selection. The company's conservative approach to asset selection and risk management, combined with aggressive pricing and user experience optimization, creates a sustainable competitive position within the growing European digital asset market.

For European investors seeking regulated, cost-effective cryptocurrency access with transparent operations and strong security standards, Finst represents an excellent choice despite its relatively limited advanced trading features. The platform's focus on user success over profit maximization aligns well with the long-term interests of retail cryptocurrency investors who prioritize security and regulatory compliance over speculative trading capabilities.