Coincheck Expands into Europe with Acquisition of Regulated Prime Broker Aplo

Nasdaq-listed cryptocurrency exchange Coincheck has acquired Aplo, a French-regulated digital asset prime brokerage firm. The move signals Coincheck's strategic push into the European market, leveraging Aplo's AMF registration and institutional expertise.

The deal, structured as a share swap, will see Aplo's outstanding shares converted into Coincheck Group equity. Completion is expected by October 2025. "Aplo brings proven technology and institutional-grade capabilities," said Coincheck CEO Gary Simanson, highlighting the synergy between Japan's retail-focused platform and Europe's institutional infrastructure.

Coincheck's Nasdaq listing via SPAC merger in 2023 provided the capital for this acquisition. The exchange traces its roots to 2012 as a Bitcoin wallet service before pivoting to full exchange operations. Aplo's pending full crypto asset license in France positions the combined entity for broader European service offerings.