It is an intersting move, maybe they are just protecting themselves. Currently as bitcoin is "private money" you are allowed to sell it, but if you are selling in a commerical manner, repeat sales ect then you need a money transmitter license.
ATM operators also need a money transmitter license for the most part.
It is not easy to get a money transmitter license in Germany, this is one reason why bitcoin.de had to partner with fidor bank to even be allowed, and it is a p2p exchange. This also could be a reason why skrill has its company registered in England but is more or less a German company.
Derp.
To start with, there is no money transmitter license in Germany.
Second, according to Germany's interpretation it comes under
MiFid.
They potentially (I think not, because jurisdiction) need the licenses required for a '
Multilateral trading facility' which is a step down from a full blown commodities/stock exchange.
But yes, that is why Kraken/Bitcoin.de use Fidor's license. As that covers MiFid.