CoinShares becomes first continental EU firm to secure MiCA license enabling EU-wide crypto services

CoinShares, a leading European cryptocurrency investment firm, has obtained a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license in France, marking a significant regulatory milestone for the company and the broader EU crypto industry. The license was issued to CoinShares Asset Management, its French subsidiary, by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) [1]. This achievement positions CoinShares as the first continental European asset management company to secure MiCA authorization, enabling it to offer portfolio management and advisory services for crypto assets across the EU [2].

The MiCA license complements CoinShares’ existing regulatory approvals, including a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license and an Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFM) license. This "triple license" combination allows the firm to operate across all EU asset classes, from traditional financial instruments to alternative fund management [3]. With MiCA, CoinShares can now passport its services to eight EU jurisdictions, including France, Germany, Cyprus, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, and the Netherlands. The company has also indicated the potential for expanding this authorization to all EU member states [1].

Jean-Marie Mognetti, CoinShares’ co-founder and CEO, emphasized that the MiCA license represents a pivotal moment for both the firm and the European crypto industry. "For too long, asset managers operating in crypto have been confined to partial or improvised regulatory frameworks," he stated. Mognetti highlighted that MiCA provides a "clear, harmonised structure across the EU," fostering innovation while ensuring compliance [2]. This regulatory clarity is seen as critical for mainstream institutional adoption of crypto assets within the bloc.

The MiCA framework, which became enforceable in 2024, mandates stringent requirements for crypto asset service providers, including transparency, consumer protection, and market integrity. CoinShares’ compliance with these standards underscores its position as a trusted player in the evolving crypto ecosystem. The AMF’s approval further signals growing institutional confidence in the EU’s regulatory approach to digital assets [1].

Beyond Europe, CoinShares has been expanding its footprint in the U.S. market. Since acquiring Valkyrie Funds in 2023, the firm has launched multiple cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs), including spot and futures Bitcoin ETFs. While its U.S. strategy remains a key focus, the MiCA license reinforces its dual regional ambitions, enabling it to compete with global peers in both regulatory environments [3].

The acquisition of the MiCA license aligns with broader trends of institutionalization in the crypto sector. As EU regulators continue to refine MiCA’s implementation, firms with comprehensive compliance frameworks are likely to gain a competitive edge. CoinShares’ ability to navigate these complex regulatory landscapes highlights its strategic foresight and operational expertise.

By securing this landmark authorization, CoinShares not only solidifies its leadership in the European market but also sets a precedent for other crypto asset managers seeking to establish a regulated presence in the EU. The move is expected to accelerate the integration of digital assets into mainstream finance, provided that cross-border regulatory alignment remains a priority for policymakers.

Source:

[1] [CoinShares secures MiCA license in France to cement EU presence] (https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinshares-secures-mica-license-eyes-european-expansion)

[2] [CoinShares secures MiCA license in France to cement EU presence] (https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinshares-secures-mica-license-eyes-european-expansion)

[3] [CoinShares secures MiCA license in France to cement EU presence] (https://cryptostudent.io/bitcoin/)