CoinShares Secures EU MiCA License as First Continental European Firm

CoinShares Asset Management has secured the first continental European authorization under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, marking a significant step in the formal integration of digital assets into institutional finance. The French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) granted the license to the Jersey-based firm’s French subsidiary, enabling CoinShares to operate as a fully regulated asset manager for crypto-assets across the EU. This authorization combines with the firm’s existing Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) and MiFID licenses, creating a rare triple-regulatory structure that allows it to manage portfolios spanning traditional, UCITS, and crypto assets [1].

The license, issued under MiCA—a framework adopted by the EU in June 2024—positions CoinShares as the first continental European entity to meet the regulation’s stringent requirements. Jean-Marie Mognetti, CoinShares’ co-founder and CEO, described the milestone as a “pivotal” moment for the crypto industry, emphasizing that MiCA establishes a “clear, harmonised structure” for asset managers to operate transparently and professionally. The firm now leverages passporting rights to operate in eight EU jurisdictions, including Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands, without additional licensing. This expands its access to the EU’s €33 trillion asset management market while addressing a regulatory gap where many crypto platforms lack formal oversight [2].

CoinShares’ achievement reflects broader efforts to align digital assets with traditional financial systems. The firm, managing over $9.7 billion in assets, has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2021 and is regulated in Jersey, France, and the U.S. Its MiCA authorization demonstrates the feasibility of operating within the EU’s new regulatory framework, which mandates robust risk management, investor protections, and transparency for crypto assets. By obtaining this license, CoinShares sets a precedent for other asset managers seeking to enter the crypto space, as regulatory clarity becomes a critical factor in institutional adoption. Analysts suggest the move could accelerate cross-border compliance for firms navigating MiCA’s complex requirements, though challenges remain in harmonizing interpretations across jurisdictions [3].

The AMF’s approval process involved rigorous compliance with MiCA-specific standards, including safeguards for custody and management separation, which many unlicensed platforms lack. While CoinShares’ regulatory status reinforces its leadership in the digital asset sector, the firm faces ongoing demands to maintain compliance amid evolving interpretations of MiCA rules. The European Commission’s focus on creating a cohesive crypto regulatory environment underlines the strategic importance of this authorization. For CoinShares, the license not only enhances its operational flexibility but also strengthens its credibility as a bridge between traditional and digital asset management.

CoinShares’ success highlights the potential for regulated crypto asset managers to reshape institutional participation in the space. By adhering to MiCA’s framework, the firm demonstrates that crypto can coexist with traditional finance under a unified regulatory structure. However, the long-term impact of MiCA on market competition and fragmentation will depend on how other EU regulators enforce the guidelines. For now, CoinShares’ milestone represents a critical step toward mainstreaming crypto asset management in Europe.

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[1] [CoinShares Asset Management Becomes First Continental...](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/coinshares-asset-management-becomes-first-continental-european-regulated-asset-manager-to-receive-mica-authorisation-302511245.html)

[2] [CoinShares Secures First MiCA License in Europe...](https://www.ainvest.com/news/coinshares-secures-mica-license-europe-marking-regulatory-milestone-2507/)

[3] [Crypto Asset Manager CoinShares Secures EU-Wide...](https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/07/23/crypto-asset-manager-coinshares-secures-eu-wide-mica-license)

[4] [CoinShares AM First in Europe to Receive MiCA...](https://coinshares.com/uk/news/coinshares-asset-management-becomes-first-continental-european-regulated-asset-manager-to-receive-mica-authorisation/)