Private Equity Firm Bridgepoint to Buy Majority of Crypto Audit Specialist ht.digital
London-listed private asset investor Bridgepoint has agreed to acquire a majority stake in ht.digital, a company specializing in digital-asset audit, accounting, and assurance services. While the exact terms of the deal have not been officially disclosed, Sky News reports that the transaction could be valued at around £200 million (~$262 million). The acquisition reflects Bridgepoint’s growing interest in the digital-asset sector, as firms increasingly seek professional support for audit, compliance, and accounting services in the fast-evolving market.
The deal is expected to complete in the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. With this acquisition, ht.digital aims to expand its service offerings and strengthen its position in the digital-asset industry, while Bridgepoint gains a foothold in a high-growth, technology-driven financial services market.
Deal Overview
Bridgepoint said its Bridgepoint Development Capital V fund will acquire a majority position in ht.digital, which provides services including financial audits, proof-of-reserves attestations and on-chain verification tooling. The firms highlighted rising regulatory expectations and institutional adoption as demand drivers.Bridgepoint Corporate2022+1
What the Bridgepoint to buy majority of ht.digital deal includes
Majority stake by Bridgepoint; financial terms undisclosed.
H1 2026 expected completion, subject to approvals.
Strategy to support international expansion, product and data innovation, and hiring.
Company Backgrounds and Rationale
Ht.digital was carved out of Harris & Trotter LLP in 2023 and has scaled to a global client base of more than 700, combining blockchain expertise with traditional audit and reporting processes. Bridgepoint framed ht.digital as a “digital asset transparency layer” serving exchanges, blockchain platforms and institutional clients.
Why Bridgepoint to buy majority of ht.digital matters for assurance markets
Post-FTX, regulators and counterparties increasingly expect transparent asset attestations (e.g., proof-of-reserves) and institutional-grade controls. Bridgepoint’s backing could accelerate capacity and standardization in crypto assurance across Europe and beyond.
“Ht.digital sits at the intersection of two powerful, long-term trends the institutional adoption of digital assets and the growing regulatory demand for independent audit and assurance,” said Bridgepoint partner Matt Legg.
Market Context
Ht.digital reports ~100% organic revenue growth over the past two years, reflecting expanding demand for crypto-native assurance. Sky News reported the purchase price near £200m, though neither party disclosed terms.
Context & Analysis
Bridgepoint’s move signals private-equity conviction that crypto assurance is maturing into a durable service category. If H1 2026 closing proceeds as planned, the combination could influence audit/assurance norms around proof-of-reserves and hybrid on-chain/off-chain reporting, potentially raising the bar for exchanges and market makers operating in Europe.
Conclusion
Bridgepoint’s planned majority investment in ht.digital highlights the growing institutionalization of crypto assurance. The move signals increasing confidence in professional audit, accounting, and compliance services within the digital-asset sector, as more institutional investors seek robust frameworks to manage risk.
Market participants should watch for regulatory approvals that will finalize the deal, as well as the expansion of ht.digital’s product capabilities. Additionally, 2026 may see peers pursuing similar acquisitions or partnerships, reflecting a broader trend toward consolidation and professionalization in the crypto and digital-asset industry.
FAQs
Q : What is ht.digital?
A : A London-headquartered provider of digital-asset audit, accounting, assurance, and proof-of-reserves services with 700+ clients.
Q : How much is the deal worth?
A : Financial terms weren’t officially disclosed; Sky News reported around £200 million (~$262 million).
Q : When will the deal close?
A : Expected in H1 2026, subject to customary approvals.
Q : Why is this significant for crypto markets?
A : It shows rising institutional demand for independent assurance and on-chain verification amid tighter global oversight.
Q : Which fund is investing?
A : Bridgepoint Development Capital V.
Q : Did Bridgepoint’s shares move on the news?
A : Early trading movements were modest; exact numbers varied by source. No official figure was disclosed by the company.
Q : Does this mean exchanges must have audits now?
A : Not everywhere. Requirements depend on jurisdiction, but many regulators and institutions increasingly expect independent audits or proof-of-reserves.
Facts
Event
Bridgepoint to acquire a majority stake in ht.digitalDate/Time
2025-11-25T00:00:00+05:00Entities
Bridgepoint Group plc; Bridgepoint Development Capital V; ht.digital; Harris & Trotter LLP (carve-out, 2023) Bridgepoint Corporate2022Figures
~100% organic revenue growth (2 years); 700+ clients; price not disclosed (Sky News: ~£200m). Bridgepoint Corporate2022+1Quotes
“Ht.digital sits at the intersection of two powerful, long-term trends the institutional adoption of digital assets and the growing regulatory demand for independent audit and assurance.” Matt Legg, Partner, Bridgepoint. Bridgepoint Corporate2022Sources
Bridgepoint press release; Sky News; CoinDesk; ht.digital site. ht.digital+3Bridgepoint Corporate2022+3Sky News+3