Crypto Shock: Major European ATM Provider Halts German Operations Amid Regulatory Storm

Europe's crypto cash machines hit a wall as Germany's regulatory crackdown forces a strategic retreat.

The Pullback:
A leading crypto ATM operator—once bullish on Berlin's fintech scene—has yanked its machines offline. No warning, no gradual phase-out. Just lights-out for physical crypto access in Europe's largest economy.

Why It Matters:
Germany's financial watchdog has been tightening screws on non-custodial services. This exit exposes the brutal math: compliance costs now outweigh the revenue from street-corner Bitcoin buys.

The Irony:
Berlin positions itself as a crypto hub while its regulations strangle the most visible form of adoption. Traders can still gamble on shitcoins—just not convert cash easily.

The Bottom Line:
Another 'pro-crypto' government proves it loves blockchain more when it's locked in institutional vaults—not in the hands of normies.

Bitcoin is unavailable at ATMs across Germany

Kurant, the Austrian firm that currently runs the highest number of cryptocurrency ATMs in Europe, is temporarily halting operations in Germany.

Starting from July 1, Bitcoin will no longer be available for purchase at ATM locations across the country, the German crypto news outlet BTC Echo reported, quoting a press release on Monday. The company has a pending application for a license under the European Union’s new Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) law, and that has been cited as the main reason for its decision.

Kurant’s ATMs will be out of service until the licensing process is completed, the announcement revealed. No information was provided as to how long this is going to take. While informing users it’s taking “a short break,” the operator noted it needs it to prepare for the new MiCA requirements, which “involve major technical and legal changes.”

In a statement, its Managing Director, Stefan Grill, described the introduction of the set of EU rules as “an important step towards regulating the crypto market,” which he welcomed. He also assured:

“We have already initiated the necessary measures to fully comply with the new standards.”

Grill added that the temporary pause of services was a “responsible and necessary” MOVE to ensure a smooth and safe transition.

“We are taking this step early to be best prepared for the new regulatory framework – ensuring an even better user experience in the future,” Kurant explained on its website.

Transactions initiated before July 1 will be completed as usual, and no new transactions will be possible until operations resume, the company highlighted, without providing a specific date for that, although it promised customers to post timely updates.

Kurant to relaunch with new features

Once it secures a MiCA license, Kurant intends to restart its machines with new features and offerings. “This includes a broader product range and improved services,” it stated.

With over 300 devices, the company is Europe’s top operator of teller machines supporting cryptocurrencies. More than half of those are in Germany, which has a little over 150 bitcoin ATMs in total, according to the tracking website Coin ATM Radar.

Kurant made it clear that the pause is not affecting other EU nations where it maintains a presence:

“As the European market leader, we will continue offering our services without interruption in Austria and Spain. Naturally, customers in those countries will also benefit from the upcoming new features.”

The Austrian firm is a major player on the Old Continent, but the region as a whole is yet to catch up with North America in terms of crypto ATM numbers.

With more than 30,000 locations, the United States is still the unchallenged global leader, accounting for over three-quarters of the world’s total, which now exceeds 38,000.

Nevertheless, Bitcoin ATM installations in Europe have seen a steady growth over the past decade and are currently at their all-time high, with nearly 1,800 machines as of July 1, 2025.

On average, a new cryptocurrency ATM is launched somewhere in the European Union almost every day, as Cryptopolitan recently reported.

Unlike regular bank ATMs, the Bitcoin teller machines (also abbreviated as BTMs) offer users the opportunity to buy, and in some cases also sell, major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH). They have been offering a simple way to get into crypto.

Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot