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- Stelios launches EasyBitcoin with Uphold to lower crypto fees.
- Platform aims to challenge dominance of big exchanges like Binance.
- Expansion of the “easy” brand into Bitcoin trading.
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Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the entrepreneur behind budget airline EasyJet, is making a bold move into the cryptocurrency sector with a new platform called EasyBitcoin. Scheduled to launch this month, the platform is being developed through a brand licensing agreement with the regulated trading platform Uphold.
From Low-Cost Flights to Low-Cost Crypto
Haji-Ioannou revolutionized European travel in 1995 with EasyJet, offering low-cost flights that reshaped the airline industry. Now, he aims to bring the same disruptive model to Bitcoin trading by addressing one of the biggest concerns for retail and institutional investors: high transaction fees.
In an interview cited by Bloomberg, Haji-Ioannou explained that crypto has become “mainstream,” particularly following U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election, and that there is growing demand for fairer, cheaper access to Bitcoin trading.
Tackling the Dominance of Major Exchanges
Currently, the market is controlled by a few large exchanges such as Binance, which critics argue face little pressure to reduce fees. Haji-Ioannou believes EasyBitcoin will inject much-needed competition, offering a more transparent and cost-effective platform. “People will buy and sell Bitcoin anyway, so why not make it cheaper and fairer?” he said.
Expanding the “Easy” Brand
EasyBitcoin adds to Haji-Ioannou’s wide-ranging “easy” portfolio, which already includes ventures in gyms, hotels, storage, coffee shops, and even pet travel. As with his other businesses, he is licensing the EasyBitcoin brand rather than directly managing operations, earning royalties while leveraging the trusted “easy” identity.
Also Read: $5 Billion in Bitcoin Still Tied to Movie2K — Did Germany Miss Its Chance?
While EasyJet faces challenges in 2025 from rising fuel costs, strikes, and airport charges, Haji-Ioannou maintains his family’s 15% stake in the airline. His focus now is on expanding the reach of his brand into emerging markets like cryptocurrency.
If successful, EasyBitcoin could push established exchanges to reconsider their fee structures—just as EasyJet once forced traditional airlines to adapt to low-cost competition.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses
I’m your translator between the financial Old World and the new frontier of crypto. After a career demystifying economics and markets, I enjoy elucidating crypto – from investment risks to earth-shaking potential. Let’s explore!
