Highlights
- Austria's leading retailer MediaMarkt will be installing 12 Bitcoin ATMs as a part of a pilot project in the country.
- Confinity and its subsidiary company Kurant are deemed to manage the ATMs.
European Union has been quite active when it comes to cryptocurrencies. The region has seen a flurry of changes and development toward crypto adoption.
A day after a group of crypto firms wrote a letter to the European Parliament, European Commission, and other stakeholders urging them to take a practical decision which promotes business environment in the country.
Around 12 Bitcoin ATMs were installed by MediaMarkt, a German retailer, which is a part of a pilot project in Austria. Confinity and its subsidiary company Kurant are deemed to manage the ATMs. Kurant boasts of managing more than 200 crypto ATMs in Austria, Germany, Spain, and Greece. Thomas Sperneder, Kurant's Head of Marketing & Sales, Europe, said that installing Bitcoin ATMs would open doors for enthusiasts who want to access Bitcoins safely and securely.
Attract more customers
Before this, MediaMarkt had installed a Bitcoin ATM in the nation which proved to be quite helpful as it managed to gain many customers, especially those who are tech-savvy and keen on the digital mode of payment.
This is in contrast with other countries, such as the UK, which had taken a grim view of Bitcoin ATMs after the Financial Conduct Authority ordered to shut down all the ATMs as they were not registered with them. With the addition of 12 more Bitcoin ATMs, the number of such operating ATMs is more than 110 in Europe. Currently, the Bitcoin ATMs are operating in countries such as France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, etc.
Austria boasts a favourable crypto environment and treats cryptocurrencies by taxing them like mainstream stock and bond investments. Crypto ATMs have been installed by various firm's different countries of the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific regions.
In fact, the Global Crypto ATM Market currently stands at US$36.45 million and is expected to rise to US$370.53 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 59.01%.
Conclusion
Austria's latest move could perhaps push other countries to expedite their efforts to adopt cryptocurrencies and make them part of their economy. The Bitcoin ATMs installation not only offers the users an alternate mode of payment but also allows crypto firms to extend their services in other countries.
It remains to be seen whether Austria becomes a hotbed for cryptocurrencies. But all users, whether in Europe, Asia, or Americas, should be vigilant and study the nuances of cryptocurrencies before entering the world of cryptos.