EasyJet Founder's Bold Move: New Bitcoin App Aims to Democratize Crypto Trading for Everyone

EasyJet Founder Launches Bitcoin-Trading App

Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the founder of easyGroup, is making a splash in the cryptocurrency world with the launch of the easyBitcoin app this month. Known for budget airline easyJet, his venture into crypto is driven by a mission of financial empowerment.

A New Player in a Crowded Market

This app results from a brand licensing deal with Uphold, a well-known crypto exchange. It joins over 350 brands under the easyGroup umbrella, which includes diverse businesses like gyms, coffee shops, and waste disposal firms. Haji-Ioannou emphasizes that investing in Bitcoin has often felt like an exclusive club with high transaction costs, and he aims to change that by making it accessible to the general public.

Features and Competition

The easyBitcoin app allows users to buy Bitcoin and earn rewards on their investments. Rewards include a 1% welcome bonus and a 4.5% annual percentage yield on USD balances. Simon McLoughlin, CEO of Uphold, believes this rewards system will attract people who are aware of Bitcoin but haven't yet started investing.

However, the crypto space is increasingly competitive. Established players like Coinbase and Kraken have long offered crypto-trading services. With the Trump administration's pro-crypto policies encouraging more entrants, easyBitcoin will face off against fintech giants such as Robinhood, Revolut, and PayPal.

Market Context

Bitcoin recently hit a record high of $124,128 in August, fueled by optimism over Trump's policies. However, uncertainty from tariff wars has caused a nearly 10% decline from that peak, highlighting the volatile nature of the market.