Bridgepoint Moves Into Digital Finance With £200m Deal For Crypto Services Firm

Bridgepoint, the London-listed private equity group known for its investments in companies such as Itsu, is preparing to make a major move into the fast-growing world of digital assets. The firm is set to announce a £200m acquisition of ht. digital, a business that provides audit and assurance services to companies operating in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. The deal reflects a broader industry trend as traditional financial institutions increasingly look to gain a foothold in the digital economy.

According to early information shared with Sky News, Bridgepoint will confirm the purchase on Tuesday. The company will take a majority stake in ht.digital, often referred to as HT, which has built a strong reputation for offering credibility and oversight in an industry that has often been criticised for its volatility and lack of transparency.

A Strategic Shift Toward Digital Finance

For Bridgepoint, the deal signals a deliberate expansion into a sector that many investors once viewed with caution. After years of scepticism, institutional interest in digital assets has accelerated, particularly as regulatory frameworks become clearer and blockchain based services find more mainstream applications. By acquiring HT, Bridgepoint is positioning itself at the intersection of technology, finance, and regulation.

Investing in a service-based provider rather than a trading or token-issuing platform is a notable choice. Ht. Digital focuses on auditing, risk management, and compliance for crypto companies, offering services that are essential for the industry’s long-term credibility. Bridgepoint appears to be betting that demand for these services will continue to grow as more traditional investors step into the crypto arena.

Why ht.digital Attracted Private Equity Interest

HT has emerged as a strong player in the digital asset assurance space. Its services support blockchain networks, crypto exchanges, token issuers, and institutional investors who want reliable verification and regulatory grade reporting. The company’s expertise is particularly valuable at a time when global regulators are tightening rules around digital assets.

As cryptocurrencies and decentralised finance platforms expand, companies must show they can operate responsibly. Ht. Digital has built its reputation on providing exactly that type of oversight. By offering audit frameworks, security assessments, and technical due diligence, the company helps digital asset firms strengthen trust with both customers and regulators.

This growing demand for accountability and transparency likely made ht.digital an attractive target for Bridgepoint, which has historically focused on sectors with long term structural growth.

A Vote Of Confidence In The Crypto Industry

Bridgepoint’s decision to invest heavily in the crypto services market suggests strong confidence in the future of the sector. While cryptocurrency prices have experienced large swings, the underlying infrastructure that supports digital assets continues to mature. Institutions are showing increased interest in tokenised finance, blockchain based settlements, and regulated digital asset platforms.

Many financial analysts argue that the next phase of the crypto industry will focus on reliability rather than speculation. Companies like ht.digital play a central role in that shift. Their work provides the checks and assurances needed to make digital assets acceptable to large corporations, pension funds, and other mainstream financial players.

By purchasing a majority stake, Bridgepoint is signalling that crypto related services may become a core part of the financial landscape rather than a temporary trend.

Bridgepoint Expands Its Portfolio Into Fast Growing Markets

The acquisition fits into Bridgepoint’s broader strategy of investing in sectors experiencing rapid growth. The firm has a long history of buying and scaling businesses in consumer services, technology, and finance. Expanding into digital assets offers new potential for long term returns and aligns with market expectations that blockchain related services will continue expanding in the coming years.

Bridgepoint’s existing portfolio includes brands such as Itsu and Hobbycraft, but the acquisition of ht. digital shows a willingness to diversify beyond traditional retail or consumer investments. This move suggests that the firm sees digital finance as an area where its capital and strategic guidance can support significant expansion.

What The Deal Means For The Digital Asset Ecosystem

With Bridgepoint behind it, ht digital is expected to grow its service offerings and expand into new markets. The company may increase its presence in Europe and potentially target regulatory-focused markets such as the United States or Asia. Additional investment could strengthen HT’s technological capabilities, support new assurance tools, and help the firm meet rising demand from institutional clients.

For the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem, the deal is another sign that traditional finance is steadily integrating into the digital asset world. Partnerships between established financial firms and digital providers are likely to become more common as investors seek stability and professional oversight.