Bitvavo Secures MiCA License Expanding European Operations

Crypto exchange Bitvavo has secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets (AFM), enabling it to operate across Europe under the new regulatory framework. This development marks a significant milestone for Bitvavo, as it joins a growing list of crypto firms that have obtained MiCA licenses in recent months.

Bitvavo co-founder and CEO Mark Nuvelstijn expressed full support for the MiCA process, stating that consistent enforcement of rules across all member states is essential for a level playing field in Europe. The MiCA license provides Bitvavo with clear guidance and confidence to operate across the region, focusing on investor protection, financial stability, and innovation. The licensing window for MiCA opened on January 1.

Bitvavo's chief risk officer, Jeetan Patel, described the licensing process as rigorous but efficient. He highlighted the constructive collaboration with the AFM, which ensured compliance with the comprehensive MiCAR regulatory requirements. This collaboration has been instrumental in the efficient progression of the licensing process.

The announcement of Bitvavo's MiCA license follows a series of similar approvals in Europe. Recently, crypto exchanges Kraken, Coinbase, and Bybit have also received MiCA licenses from regulatory authorities in Ireland, Luxembourg, and Austria, respectively. Additionally, crypto payments firm MoonPay reported receiving approval to operate as a licensed crypto business in the Netherlands under the MiCA bill in December 2024.

The adoption of the MiCA regulatory framework has led to renewed investor confidence across the region. This standardized approach to regulating crypto-assets is expected to foster greater innovation and competition within the industry, attracting more investors and users. For Bitvavo, this license opens up new opportunities to expand its services and attract a broader user base, further solidifying its position in the European market.

The MiCA license represents a significant step forward in the EU's efforts to create a harmonized regulatory environment for crypto-assets. By obtaining this license, Bitvavo demonstrates its readiness to operate within this new regulatory framework and its commitment to providing a compliant and secure platform for its users. This development underscores Bitvavo's dedication to regulatory compliance and its role as a leader in the European crypto market.