Coincheck Group N.V., the Nasdaq-listed parent company of one of Japan’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, is making its first move beyond domestic borders. The firm has entered into an agreement to acquire Aplo SAS, a Paris-based digital asset prime brokerage regulated by France’s AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers). The all-stock deal, expected to finalize in October 2025, will see Aplo shareholders receive newly issued Coincheck Group ordinary shares.
Strategic Leap into Europe
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Coincheck as it looks to strengthen its presence in global markets. With an eye on expanding both at home and overseas, the company is actively seeking businesses that bring added value through technology, regulatory credentials, and specialized services.
By acquiring Aplo, Coincheck gains immediate access to the European Union’s regulatory environment. Aplo is currently pursuing a full Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license, positioning Coincheck to offer cross-border institutional services within a consistent legal framework.
Who Is Aplo?
Founded in Paris in 2019 by Oliver Yates, Arnaud Carrere, Simon Douyer, and Jacques Lolieux, Aplo has built a powerful platform tailored to institutional clients. Their offerings include:
- Algorithmic execution and high-speed trading capabilities
- Access to deep and diverse liquidity pools
- Strong compliance with European regulatory standards
The firm already serves over 60 institutional clients, including hedge funds, banks, and asset managers. In 2025, Aplo was named “Prime Broker of the Year (EMEA)” at the Hedgeweek Global Digital Asset Awards.
What Comes Next?
Following the acquisition, both firms plan to accelerate Aplo’s product development and broaden their services. Upcoming enhancements may include:
- Financing tools like cross-margining and deferred settlement
- Expanded liquidity access across regions
- B2B2C offerings enabling banks to use Aplo’s tech for their clients
Additionally, Coincheck sees potential in leveraging Aplo’s infrastructure to boost liquidity for altcoins on its Japanese platform.
Coincheck CEO Gary Simanson praised Aplo’s cutting-edge technology, strong institutional reputation in Europe, and talented team. Aplo CEO Oliver Yates called the acquisition an exciting step forward, allowing the firm to scale its mission with the support of Coincheck’s capital and long-term vision.
