Australian Bitcoin exchange igot acquires Kenya’s TagPesa

igot, an Australian-based Bitcoin exchange that targets the global remittance market, announced in late February its acquisition of Kenya’s TagePesa crypto exchange and remittance gateway. igot was also granted access to M-Pesa, giving members the ability to cash out directly from Kenya’s mobile payment system.

Founded in 2013, igot allows people to easily buy, sell, send, and receive Bitcoin around the world, and is open for business in more than 40 nations. Customers have full access to all exchange features and are able to deposit and withdraw from their local fiat currency bank accounts. Ninety percent of igot’s Bitcoins are stored offline in hack-proof “cold storage” facilities worldwide, offering users additional peace of mind.

There is no charge for sending or receiving Bitcoin among igot users. The exchange is designed to always be totally transparent about its fees, so users will always know the exact cost of each transaction with complete certainty.

igot co-founder Rick Day

In an interview with CoinReport, Rick Day, igot’s co-founder, said TagPesa has done some great groundwork in Kenya. “For igot to launch in Kenya, it was important that we have local partnerships and resources in place. TagPesa offered both. TagPesa’s vision for Bitcoin in Kenya was in line with what we are trying to do.”

Day said that user convenience is one benefit to igot in having access to M-Pesa.“There is a huge Kenyan population residing overseas. Sending money to Kenya becomes much more easier, faster, and cost effective. Recipients receive their money with minutes. Everybody’s happy!”

Day told CoinReport that Bitcoin is certainly a game-changer in the international remittance market. “With networks of local exchanges everywhere and enough liquidity, it’s only a matter of time before we start to see some really big numbers on the remittance end. Bitcoin is also revolutionary because of the way it works, its speed, the low cost, and the convenience.”

igot is rapidly expanding into countries around the world from its home base in Australia. These include Dubai, Germany, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, and Singapore, with entry into the North American and Mexican markets planned for later this year.

Images courtesy of igot.