I am very new to Bitcoin and have been spending a ton of time trying to learn as much as I can about it. Yesterday, I wrote what I thought was an innocent, friendly thread to get some feedback. Shortly post thread, I was pounded for being a "freeloader" because I am a Bitcoin holder, not a user. So before I ask my question....let me just say, "I come in peace, friends!" We all want the same thing...the moon. My question is a general one about Bitcoin companies and their banking practices. Why do major exchanges do their banking in places like Slovenia? Is there really that much regulation concern in the States or even in a place like Switzerland? It just seems risky and strange to me that such a brilliant phenomenon with incredible promise would rely on banking in such remote parts of the world. No offense to Slovenia but I would not want my money in their banks. If you have enough money, you even have to be careful of banking in the U.S. I think the FDIC only insures deposits up to 500k. Kind regards.
Screw them... there is no such thing as a bad question and we were all new to Bitcoin at one point.
Bitstamp is now considered the flagship exchange since Mt Gox is gone. But the simple answer about banking is it all depends on where the exchange is headquartered. If you prefer dealing with US banks then Coinbase is probably your best bet depending on how you want to operate. I'm in the US and use both Coinbase and Bitstamp. There is also CampBX which is located in the US but I have not heard very many good things about them.
The best thing to do before choosing the exchange you want to trade with is to do all the research you can on them. Google them, search for posts here on the forums and do you best to find the things that people like and don't like about them. It can be a big jump for someone new to Bitcoin but it can be very rewarding and fun as well.
Good luck!
Bigdave