MyBTC.ca Celebrates 10 Years of Bitcoin & Crypto in Canada

On November 15, 2026, MyBTC.ca proudly celebrates its tenth anniversary, marking a full decade of helping Canadians buy and sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It was exactly ten years ago, on November 15, 2016, at 1:46:41 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), that our very first customer registered an account, from a telephone number bearing a Manitoba area code. We were officially live nationwide. A small moment in Canadian cryptocurrency history, but a monumental one for MyBTC.ca. Today, we celebrate a milestone that carries particular weight in an industry known for rapid innovation, dramatic market cycles, regulatory changes and the rise and fall of countless businesses.

November 15, 2016 – November 15, 2026

When MyBTC.ca first launched in November 2016, Bitcoin was trading for approximately $700 USD, cryptocurrency remained unfamiliar to most Canadians, and the idea that digital assets would eventually attract the attention of major banks, investment firms and governments seemed almost unimaginable. Ten years later, the cryptocurrency landscape has changed beyond recognition, and MyBTC.ca has been there to witness much of that transformation firsthand.

What began as a basic service designed to make purchasing Bitcoin easier for Canadians has evolved into an established Canadian cryptocurrency exchange offering multiple digital assets, a growing selection of payment methods, mobile applications and educational resources. Throughout that evolution, MyBTC.ca has maintained its commitment to accessible cryptocurrency transactions, knowledgeable Canadian customer support and responsible business practices. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re taking a look back at where it all began, the extraordinary changes we’ve witnessed and what the next decade might hold for our company and the broader cryptocurrency industry.

Before MyBTC.ca: Our Roots in Bitcoin’s Early Days

Although MyBTC.ca officially launched in November 2016, the company’s origins stretch back several years earlier, when Bitcoin was still largely the domain of technology enthusiasts, early adopters and individuals willing to navigate unfamiliar financial territories. Our founder, president and CEO, Duane Seamans, became actively involved in Bitcoin trading in 2014, gaining firsthand experience in a market that operated very differently from the cryptocurrency industry Canadians recognize today. At the time, purchasing Bitcoin frequently meant dealing directly with individual sellers through peer-to-peer marketplaces, negotiating payment arrangements and placing considerable trust in people you had never met.

As detailed on our About Us page, before establishing MyBTC.ca, Duane had completed more than 10,000 individual Bitcoin trades involving over 3,000 people while maintaining a 100% positive feedback rating. Those early experiences provided valuable insight into the challenges facing Canadians who wanted to participate in the emerging cryptocurrency economy. While interest in Bitcoin was steadily growing, convenient and dependable purchasing options remained limited, particularly for newcomers unfamiliar with cryptocurrency wallets, blockchain transactions and the various payment arrangements involved. The opportunity to simplify that process, while providing the kind of responsive customer service that had already earned Duane a strong reputation, ultimately helped lay the foundation for MyBTC.ca.

November 15, 2016: A Canadian Bitcoin Exchange Is Born

On November 15, 2016, MyBTC.ca officially began its vision quest as a Canadian Bitcoin service, with the goal of making cryptocurrency more accessible to everyday Canadians. The cryptocurrency landscape in 2016 was considerably different from what it is today. Bitcoin had not yet experienced the extraordinary bull market of 2017, cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds were years away from becoming a reality, and digital assets were still widely viewed as experimental technology. For Canadians interested in buying Bitcoin, the available options could be confusing, expensive or unnecessarily complicated. International cryptocurrency exchanges often presented additional challenges involving foreign currencies, banking restrictions and unfamiliar payment systems, while peer-to-peer transactions required customers to navigate arrangements with individual sellers.

MyBTC.ca entered the market with a relatively simple proposition: provide Canadians with a convenient way to purchase Bitcoin using familiar Canadian payment methods, supported by knowledgeable people who understood both cryptocurrency and the Canadian financial system. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, the company concentrated on making the purchasing experience more streamlined, reducing unnecessary complications and helping customers complete their transactions with confidence. That customer-focused approach became the foundation upon which the business would grow over the following decade.

From Bitcoin’s Wild West to Canada’s Evolving Regulatory Landscape

One of the most remarkable aspects of MyBTC.ca’s ten-year history is how extensively Canada’s cryptocurrency regulatory environment has evolved since the company first opened its doors. In 2016, Bitcoin and other digital assets occupied a relatively new and uncertain position within the financial system, and governments around the world were still determining how existing laws should apply to cryptocurrency businesses. Although Canada had introduced legislative changes in 2014 to establish the groundwork for regulating virtual currency dealers, the federal requirements specifically bringing businesses dealing in virtual currencies under FINTRAC’s mandatory money services business registration framework did not take effect until June 1, 2020.

This meant that MyBTC.ca was already approaching its fourth anniversary when Canada’s cryptocurrency-specific FINTRAC registration requirements formally came into force. During those earlier years, the industry was often described as the Wild West, with inconsistent business practices, limited regulatory clarity and numerous operators entering the market without the experience or infrastructure necessary to establish sustainable businesses. MyBTC.ca recognized the importance of operating responsibly from an early stage, adopting voluntary compliance practices as Canada’s regulatory framework continued to develop. The company’s early approach to customer identification, anti-money laundering procedures and regulatory cooperation reflected an understanding that cryptocurrency businesses would eventually be expected to meet increasingly rigorous standards of accountability.

The regulatory environment continued to mature over the following years. In June 2020, businesses dealing in virtual currencies became subject to mandatory FINTRAC registration requirements, followed by additional reporting, recordkeeping and compliance obligations that took effect in June 2021. Canadian cryptocurrency businesses also faced growing expectations concerning customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, suspicious transaction reporting and the prevention of financial crime. These developments represented a substantial shift from the comparatively unstructured environment in which Bitcoin businesses had operated during the industry’s formative years.

Today, MyBTC.ca is registered with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) as a money services business under registration number M20844324. As outlined in our Canadian cryptocurrency compliance policy, the company maintains an anti-money laundering compliance program incorporating customer identity verification, transaction monitoring, risk assessments, recordkeeping and other procedures designed to satisfy applicable Canadian regulatory requirements. While regulatory compliance is an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time achievement, MyBTC.ca’s experience navigating these changes illustrates just how far both the company and Canada’s cryptocurrency industry have progressed since 2016.

Ten Years of Bitcoin: From an Emerging Technology to a Global Financial Asset

Few industries have experienced the extraordinary highs, devastating lows and rapid technological changes that have characterized cryptocurrency over the past decade. When MyBTC.ca launched in November 2016, Bitcoin was trading at approximately $700 USD, and its future remained the subject of considerable debate. Some viewed it as a revolutionary form of decentralized money, while others dismissed it as a speculative experiment unlikely to achieve widespread acceptance. Even among those who recognized Bitcoin’s potential, predicting the developments that would unfold over the following ten years would have been an enormous challenge.

MyBTC.ca was operating during the historic Bitcoin bull market of 2017, when prices surged toward $20,000 USD and cryptocurrency suddenly became a mainstream topic of conversation. The excitement was followed by a prolonged downturn in 2018, during which Bitcoin lost much of its market value and numerous cryptocurrency projects struggled to survive. The industry eventually recovered, entering another period of extraordinary growth during 2020 and 2021 as institutional interest increased, digital assets attracted broader public attention and Bitcoin reached new record highs. Those gains were followed by another difficult period in 2022, when the collapse of several prominent cryptocurrency businesses raised serious questions about financial transparency, custody practices and the risks associated with centralized platforms.

The years that followed brought additional milestones, including the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds in the United States in January 2024, growing participation from institutional investors and continued development throughout the blockchain ecosystem. Bitcoin also underwent multiple halving events during MyBTC.ca’s lifetime, reducing the rate at which new coins enter circulation and reinforcing the monetary characteristics that have attracted supporters since the network’s creation in 2009. For those interested in exploring Bitcoin’s origins and evolution, our article on Canada’s cryptocurrency connection examines the country’s role in the development and adoption of digital assets.

Through these developments, MyBTC.ca has continued serving Canadians regardless of prevailing market conditions. Cryptocurrency markets operate around the clock, and periods of intense excitement can quickly give way to uncertainty, corrections and changing investor sentiment. While no business can control the direction of Bitcoin’s price or predict the next major market development, maintaining dependable services through multiple market cycles has remained an important part of MyBTC.ca’s operating philosophy. After ten years, the company has experienced firsthand how quickly the cryptocurrency industry can change and how important it is to remain adaptable.

From Bitcoin Only to Buying and Selling Multiple Digital Assets

Bitcoin will always occupy a special place in MyBTC.ca’s history, not least because it’s the cryptocurrency that inspired the company’s creation and remains part of its name. In the beginning, the business concentrated on helping Canadians purchase Bitcoin, providing a dependable service at a time when acquiring digital assets was often considerably more complicated than it is today. As the industry matured and customer needs evolved, MyBTC.ca expanded its services beyond its original Bitcoin-focused offering, introducing cryptocurrency selling capabilities and support for additional digital assets.

Today, MyBTC.ca allows Canadians to buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and USD Coin (USDC), giving customers access to several different segments of the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin remains the original and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, while Ethereum has established itself as a major blockchain network supporting smart contracts, decentralized applications and a broad ecosystem of digital innovation. USD Coin, meanwhile, offers exposure to a US-dollar-denominated stablecoin designed to maintain a value close to one US dollar. By supporting these assets, MyBTC.ca has expanded beyond its original Bitcoin-only model while maintaining its focus on providing practical cryptocurrency services for Canadian customers.

The company’s expansion is far from complete. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, MyBTC.ca is preparing to introduce support for additional digital assets, with further developments planned for the years ahead. The objective is not simply to offer an ever-growing list of cryptocurrencies, but to respond thoughtfully to customer demand, technological developments and the practical considerations involved in supporting new assets. After a decade of experience, MyBTC.ca understands that sustainable growth requires balancing innovation with operational reliability, security considerations and responsible business practices.

Making Cryptocurrency More Accessible Through Canadian Payment Methods

One of the challenges facing early cryptocurrency adopters was finding convenient ways to move money between traditional financial institutions and the emerging digital asset economy. In 2016, purchasing Bitcoin could involve international bank transfers, complicated exchange funding procedures or direct arrangements with individual sellers. For Canadians accustomed to familiar domestic banking services, these processes often created unnecessary barriers to entry. From its earliest days, MyBTC.ca recognized the value of supporting payment methods that Canadians already understood and used in their everyday lives.

Over the years, the company has expanded its funding options to accommodate different customer preferences and transaction requirements. Interac e-Transfer has become a central part of the MyBTC.ca experience, allowing customers to purchase cryptocurrency using one of Canada’s most familiar electronic payment systems. Bank Wire transfers provide an option for customers completing larger purchases, while the addition of Bill Payment has introduced another convenient funding method through participating Canadian financial institutions. Flexepin prepaid vouchers offer an alternative for customers who prefer that payment method, and credit or debit card purchasing options are also available through supported third-party payment providers. Customers can explore the company’s current cryptocurrency funding methods, fees and transaction limits to determine which option best suits their needs.

MyBTC.ca has also expanded beyond its original purchasing services to support customers who want to sell cryptocurrency and receive Canadian dollars. By offering buying and selling capabilities for Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDC, the platform provides Canadians with a convenient way to move between supported digital assets and the traditional Canadian financial system. The continued development of these services reflects the company’s understanding that accessibility involves more than simply listing cryptocurrencies for sale. It also requires convenient funding methods, simplified transaction processes, clear instructions and reliable assistance when customers encounter questions or difficulties.

A Non-Custodial Cryptocurrency Exchange: Your Crypto, Your Wallet

Another important characteristic of MyBTC.ca is its non-custodial business model, which has remained central to the way the company delivers cryptocurrency to its customers. Unlike platforms that require customers to maintain cryptocurrency balances within exchange-controlled accounts, MyBTC.ca delivers purchased digital assets directly to the external wallet addresses selected by customers. This means that customers are not required to leave their Bitcoin, Ethereum or USDC in the company’s custody after completing a purchase, giving them the ability to manage their digital assets through their own preferred wallet arrangements.

The importance of cryptocurrency custody became particularly apparent during the market turmoil of 2022, when the failures of several major digital asset businesses left customers facing uncertainty about funds held on centralized platforms. Those events renewed attention on one of Bitcoin’s longstanding principles: the ability of individuals to hold and control their own digital assets without relying on a third party for ongoing custody. MyBTC.ca addressed these concerns in our November 2022 article, Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins, which examined the risks associated with custodial cryptocurrency platforms following the collapse of FTX.

MyBTC.ca’s non-custodial approach reflects that philosophy by concentrating on facilitating cryptocurrency transactions rather than operating as a long-term storage provider for customer holdings. Of course, managing cryptocurrency through an external wallet also carries responsibilities. Customers must take appropriate precautions to protect their wallet credentials, verify receiving addresses and understand that blockchain transactions generally cannot be reversed once completed. By combining a non-custodial transaction model with educational resources and customer support, the company aims to help Canadians make informed decisions about how they acquire and manage their cryptocurrency.

Proudly Canadian: Built for Canadians, Supported by Canadians

Although cryptocurrency is a global technology without traditional geographic boundaries, MyBTC.ca has always maintained a distinctly Canadian identity. The company was founded in Canada, built around Canadian banking infrastructure and developed specifically to address the needs of Canadian customers. Rather than attempting to replicate the experience of large international cryptocurrency platforms, MyBTC.ca has focused on providing practical services that reflect how Canadians manage their money, access financial institutions and interact with domestic payment systems.

That Canadian focus extends beyond payment methods and currency conversions. MyBTC.ca understands that customers sometimes need assistance navigating account verification, banking questions, cryptocurrency wallet transfers or unexpected transaction delays, and the company has continued emphasizing accessible support from knowledgeable Canadian representatives. In an industry where customer service can sometimes feel impersonal or difficult to reach, having real people available to answer questions remains an important part of the MyBTC.ca experience. Customers aren’t simply interacting with an automated system; they’re dealing with a Canadian business that has spent ten years developing experience in the domestic cryptocurrency market.

Over the past decade, MyBTC.ca has served customers from communities across the country, including those making their first cryptocurrency purchase and experienced users who have been involved in Bitcoin for many years. Supporting Canadian businesses has become an increasingly prominent topic in recent years, something we explored in our article Shop Local, Buy Canadian Bitcoin — Put Canada First!. MyBTC.ca remains proud to contribute to Canada’s growing digital economy while keeping its focus firmly on the people and communities it serves.

Evolving With Technology: Mobile Apps, Cryptocurrency Charts and Education

The way people access financial services has changed considerably since MyBTC.ca launched in 2016. Smartphones have become central to everyday banking and financial activity, and customers increasingly expect the ability to manage transactions, access information and communicate with service providers without being tied to a desktop computer. MyBTC.ca has continued adapting to these expectations, expanding beyond its original website experience to provide mobile applications for iOS and Android devices.

The MyBTC.ca mobile app allows customers to access their accounts and cryptocurrency services from their smartphones, with features including biometric login capabilities and convenient access to customer support. These developments represent part of the company’s broader effort to make cryptocurrency transactions easier to manage while maintaining the customer satisfying experience that has characterized its services since the beginning. As mobile technology continues to evolve, MyBTC.ca remains focused on improving accessibility, usability and convenience for customers who increasingly conduct financial transactions on the move.

Education has also become an important component of the MyBTC.ca platform. The company’s Cryptocurrency Knowledge Centre includes articles exploring cryptocurrency news, blockchain technology, market developments, wallet security and practical guidance for Canadians interested in digital assets. Customers can also access dedicated Canadian-dollar cryptocurrency price charts for Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDC, allowing them to follow market movements and review historical pricing. These resources reflect an understanding that cryptocurrency can be complicated, particularly for newcomers, and that providing clear information is an important part of delivering a positive customer experience.

Ten Years of Showing Up for Our Customers

Behind every cryptocurrency transaction is a real person, and that understanding has helped shape MyBTC.ca’s approach to customer service throughout its first decade. Some customers arrive knowing exactly which cryptocurrency they want to purchase and how they intend to manage it, while others are encountering Bitcoin for the first time and need assistance understanding the process. Some complete relatively small transactions, while others require support with larger purchases, different payment methods or more complex account verification requirements. Although their circumstances may vary considerably, every customer deserves clear communication, dependable service and a reliable experience.

Operating a cryptocurrency exchange involves challenges that aren’t always visible to customers. Banking systems occasionally experience delays, cryptocurrency networks can become congested, compliance requirements continue to evolve and market volatility can create sudden increases in transaction activity. Unlike traditional financial markets with established opening and closing hours, cryptocurrency trading continues around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Maintaining reliable operations in that environment requires constant attention, ongoing improvements and a willingness to adapt when circumstances change.

Over the years, MyBTC.ca has worked through these challenges while continuing to improve its services and respond to customer feedback. Not every day in the cryptocurrency business is easy, and not every transaction unfolds without complications, but the company’s commitment to addressing problems and supporting customers has remained consistent. The relationships developed over ten years of serving Canadians are among the most valuable parts of MyBTC.ca’s history, and the trust customers place in the company is something the team continues working to earn every day.

Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of Cryptocurrency in Canada

If the past ten years have demonstrated anything, it’s that the cryptocurrency industry is extraordinarily difficult to predict. In 2016, few people could have anticipated the scale of Bitcoin’s subsequent growth, the emergence of major institutional investment products, the expansion of blockchain-based applications or the degree to which governments and financial institutions would eventually become involved in digital assets. Technologies that once seemed experimental have developed into substantial industries, while new innovations continue challenging assumptions about how money, financial services and digital ownership might evolve.

For MyBTC.ca, the next decade represents an opportunity to build on the experience gained since 2016 while continuing to improve the services available to Canadian customers. Plans to expand supported cryptocurrencies, enhance the website and mobile applications, introduce additional features and develop new educational resources are all part of the company’s ongoing evolution. As Canada’s regulatory environment continues to mature, MyBTC.ca will also remain focused on meeting its compliance obligations and adapting its operations to the changing expectations placed on cryptocurrency businesses.

Although nobody can say with certainty what Bitcoin or the broader cryptocurrency market will look like in 2036, MyBTC.ca intends to remain in the game. The technologies, payment methods and digital assets available to customers will undoubtedly continue changing, but the underlying objective remains familiar: make buying and selling cryptocurrency in Canada as convenient, accessible and straightforward as possible, supported by knowledgeable people who understand the needs of Canadian customers.

Thank You, Canada: Celebrating Ten Years of MyBTC.ca

Reaching our tenth anniversary is an opportunity to reflect not only on how much MyBTC.ca has changed, but also on the people who made that growth possible. What began on November 15, 2016, as a Canadian Bitcoin service has developed into a cryptocurrency exchange supporting multiple digital assets, numerous payment methods, mobile applications and an expanding collection of educational tools. Along the way, we’ve witnessed historic market rallies, difficult downturns, regulatory transformations and technological developments that would have seemed almost unimaginable when the company first opened its doors.

None of that progress would have been possible without our customers. To those who supported MyBTC.ca during Bitcoin’s early years, when cryptocurrency was still unfamiliar to most Canadians, we extend our sincere appreciation for believing in what we were building. To the customers who joined us throughout the years, thank you for choosing a Canadian cryptocurrency exchange and allowing us to be part of your digital asset adventure. And to those discovering MyBTC.ca for the first time, we look forward to demonstrating the same commitment to service that has guided our company for the past decade.

We’re proud of our history, grateful for the relationships we’ve developed and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Ten years in cryptocurrency is no small accomplishment, particularly in an industry that has experienced such extraordinary change. Yet for all the developments we’ve witnessed since 2016, our focus remains remarkably similar to what it was on day one: helping Canadians access cryptocurrency through convenient payment methods, dependable service and a business that understands the Canadian market.

From our founder and the entire MyBTC.ca team, thank you to everyone who has been part of our first ten years. We look forward to continuing this journey with you, building on what we’ve accomplished and embracing the opportunities that the next decade will bring.

Happy 10th Anniversary, MyBTC.ca! Let’s raise a glass to the next ten years of serving Canadians.

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