Forbes gives Bitstamp a perfect 10/10 in transparency & audit strength

Forbes gives Bitstamp a perfect 10/10 in transparency & audit strength

Transparency, regulation, and security have been the foundation of Bitstamp since 2011, making us the longest-running crypto exchange in the industry. These pillars define how we operate every day, and now, Forbes has validated our approach.

In their 2025 Crypto Exchange rankings, Bitstamp earned a perfect 10/10 in both transparency and audit strength. A testament to the standards we uphold. We also received the second-highest score in regulation among all exchanges.

And the recognition doesn’t stop there. Forbes ranked us in the top 3 most trustworthy crypto exchanges globally— and the most trusted among Europe-based exchanges!

“The firm exemplifies many of the criteria valued in the ranking methodology: large asset base, ownership clarity, a credible audit history, and a robust crypto product offering.” – Forbes

When independent industry leaders validate our work, it reaffirms the effort we put in every day to run things the right way.

For all the details, you can read the full Forbes article.

Our three operational pillars

Transparency – 10/10 in transparency & audit strength

Our perfect 10/10 Forbes score in transparency and audit strength reflects the rigorous financial controls we have in place. Since 2016, we have been audited annually by a Big Four global accounting firm, ensuring that every process is independently verified. Besides external audits, our internal review mechanisms continuously strengthen our control environment, setting the highest standards for accountability in crypto.

Regulation – among the highest-rated exchanges

Regulation is a daily commitment to operating by the book. We hold 50+ licenses and registrations across key global markets, demonstrating our dedication to compliance. Nearly 30% of our workforce is dedicated to compliance, legal, risk management, and similar ensuring that every decision we make aligns with the highest industry standards.

Security – industry-leading protection since 2011

Trust starts with security, and at Bitstamp, safeguarding customer assets has been our top priority since day one. 100% of customer funds are backed and available for withdrawal at any time, stored separately from corporate assets for maximum protection. With an industry-leading 99.9% uptime, our infrastructure is built for reliability.

A reputation built on trust

And it’s not just us saying it. Independent industry leaders continue to recognize our efforts, with Forbes and CCData ranking us among the best.

  • Forbes Exchange Rankings – In 2024 we were recognized as one of the top two regulated crypto spot exchanges operating globally. This year, we’re back on the "World’s most trustworthy crypto exchanges" podium, earning a perfect 10/10 in two categories.
  • CCData – Achieved seven consecutive AA ratings, the highest possible score, reinforcing our dedication to security and transparency.

If you’re looking for a crypto exchange you can trust, one with an over-a-decade-long track record of transparency, compliance, and security, welcome.

Create a Bitstamp account today.


Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The performance of cryptoassets can be highly volatile. Learn more about risks here.

Bitstamp is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services.