Bitvavo Secures MiCA License Expanding Services Across 30 EEA Countries

Bitvavo, a leading digital asset trading platform, has secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets. This regulatory approval enables Bitvavo to expand its services across all 30 countries within the European Economic Area (EEA), positioning it to compete with major global exchanges under Europe's unified crypto regulatory framework. The MiCA license provides Bitvavo with the clarity and confidence needed to fulfill its ambition of becoming the leading digital asset trading platform in Europe.

With full MiCA compliance, Bitvavo gains trust and clarity while expanding retail and institutional services across the EEA. This license enhances operational clarity, allowing Bitvavo to serve retail and institutional clients under a unified regulatory regime. It also boosts user confidence by signaling full compliance with MiCA’s comprehensive standards. Bitvavo’s Chief Risk Officer, Jeetan Patel, emphasized that this achievement followed rigorous internal preparations, with the firm taking deliberate steps to meet MiCA’s requirements. Bitvavo praised the AFM for facilitating an efficient and constructive licensing process.

Mark Nuvelstijn, Bitvavo’s CEO and co-founder, underlined MiCA’s role in establishing a level playing field. Consistent rule enforcement across all member states is crucial for market fairness. Consequently, Bitvavo is now positioned to fulfill its ambition of becoming Europe’s leading digital asset platform. Bitvavo is not alone in this push. Kraken has also received its MiCA license from the Central Bank of Ireland. This follows prior approvals under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) and an EMI license secured in 2023.

The speed to meet MiCA requirements exists because the new rules deliver regulatory definitions which crypto companies have requested for an extended period. The new legislation enhances protection standards for consumers while providing improved oversight and simplifying the process of conducting operations across borders. Founded in 2018, Bitvavo now serves nearly two million users and dominates the EUR spot market. With its MiCA license secured, Bitvavo is set to expand its footprint and reshape the European crypto landscape.

Bitvavo's achievement is significant as it joins a growing list of exchanges that have met MiCA compliance, including Coinbase, Kraken, OKX, Crypto.com, and Bitpanda. This regulatory milestone allows Bitvavo to offer its services to all 30 countries within the EEA, further solidifying its presence in the European market. Prior to this, Bitvavo already held registrations in several major European countries, including France, Austria, Italy, and Spain, in addition to the Netherlands.

The MiCA license is a testament to Bitvavo's commitment to regulatory compliance and its dedication to providing a secure and transparent trading environment for its users. By obtaining this license, Bitvavo is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for digital assets in Europe and to expand its customer base across the continent. The license not only grants Bitvavo access to a larger market but also enhances its credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of regulators and investors.

The regulatory shift brought about by MiCA is reshaping Europe's crypto landscape, with Bitvavo leading the charge. The license provides Bitvavo with the regulatory framework needed to operate seamlessly across Europe, allowing it to focus on innovation and growth. This development is expected to foster a more competitive and transparent crypto market in Europe, benefiting both users and the industry as a whole.