Kraken Secures MiCA License for European Expansion

Kraken, a prominent and long-standing cryptocurrency exchange, has successfully obtained a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the Central Bank of Ireland. This license enables the firm to provide fully regulated digital asset services across the European Economic Area (EEA).

The approval marks a significant achievement for Kraken, as it aims to strengthen its presence in Europe. With this license, Kraken can offer its services in all 30 EEA member states, expanding its reach and compliance within the region. MiCA, which began operating in 2024, is considered the most comprehensive crypto regulation globally. It sets clear guidelines for asset issuance, trading platforms, stablecoin issuers, and custodial services, providing a robust framework for the crypto industry.

This license not only allows Kraken to operate in a new jurisdiction but also represents a crucial step toward compliance and long-term success. Kraken has already established a strong regulatory foundation in Europe, holding an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license since March 2025 and a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license since February 2025. These licenses support substantial growth opportunities across various client segments, including retail, professional, and institutional clients, for services such as spot trading, derivatives, and payments.

Additionally, Kraken is registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in multiple EU nations, including Ireland, France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. These registrations underscore Kraken’s dedication to operating within a fully regulated environment, a commitment that has been in place since 2013. Today, Kraken is recognized as one of the most liquid and trustworthy euro markets for cryptocurrency trading. The MiCA license will enable Kraken’s subsidiary, Fractal, to offer a range of crypto services, including spot trading, derivatives, and payments, across a harmonized regulatory regime in Europe.

Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of Kraken, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Securing a license from the Central Bank of Ireland, with its long heritage and experience as a rigorous financial regulator, isn’t just about compliance. It’s a powerful signal of Kraken’s commitment to expanding the crypto ecosystem through responsible innovation.”

Kraken is not the only exchange capitalizing on MiCA’s harmonized regulatory framework. Other top exchanges, such as Coinbase, OKX, Crypto.com, and Bybit, have also applied for or obtained MiCA licenses in anticipation of the framework’s full implementation in 2025. Gemini, the U.S. exchange run by the Winklevoss brothers, is reportedly close to receiving approval through Malta’s regulations, a well-known pathway for fintech licensing.

Kraken’s MiCA approval comes shortly after the exchange relocated its headquarters to Wyoming, a U.S. state known for its crypto-friendly legislation. This move reflects Wyoming’s supportive stance toward blockchain technology and Kraken’s strategy to diversify its regulatory footprint to facilitate global growth. However, the broader regulatory landscape in the United States remains uncertain, with Congress still debating the specifics of federal digital asset regulations. While some states have been welcoming to the industry, federal agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission have taken a more aggressive approach.

As the U.S. grapples with crypto regulation, Kraken’s MiCA approval positions it favorably against global competitors. It highlights Europe’s leadership in crypto regulation and the importance of clear oversight for the future of digital finance.