15th August 2017
Gibraltar’s first Bitcoin ATM (BATM) is now installed in the reception of World Trade Center Gibraltar. People working and living in Gibraltar, as well as those visiting can now purchase the cryptocurrency using cash and mobile phone wallet apps. The BATM accepts GBP, GIP and EUR notes, so a fraction of a Bitcoin can be purchased for as little as £10 or €10. Bitcoin ATMs are regarded as the beacons of the cryptocurrency industry, which has become a worldwide phenomenon. Bitcoin has reached its all-time highest price in the last few days. In January 2009 when Bitcoin was first launched, 1 Bitcoin was worth $0.0001 (USD), today it’s worth a massive $4,000. Leading analysts predict that value will hit a 6-digit number in 10 years’ time. World Trade Center Gibraltar’s health food restaurant already accepts Bitcoin. Dan Thomson, owner of Supernatural, located on the mezzanine floor of the World Trade Center stated, “It was a natural progression to start to accept a modern currency and as the first retail business to do so in Gibraltar, we hope it will raise awareness and encourage other retailers and customers to begin to use the currency too.”
The Government of Gibraltar plans to introduce legislation in 2018 for the provision of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), including Blockchain, Bitcoin and other leading emerging eMoney innovations to regulate and facilitate this rapidly expanding sector of FinTech companies, many of which have already been attracted to World Trade Center Gibraltar.
Speaking for WTC Gibraltar, Ed Allison-Wright commented that, “Having Gibraltar’s first Bitcoin ATM installed in World Trade Center Gibraltar is particularly fitting. It sits at the heart of what this global brand represents and brings to Gibraltar; expanding horizons, enhancing growth and fostering new links with international partners within our expansive network of 318 WTCs; facilitating economic prosperity in Gibraltar, through global trade.”