Four Crypto Firms Secure MiCA Licenses in the Netherlands

In a latest development, four digital assets companies have secured Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) licenses in the Netherlands, allowing them to operate across all 27 countries in the European Union.

Four Companies Secure MiCA Licenses in the Netherlands

According to a filing on Dec. 30, Crypto platform MoonPay, BitStaete (a digital asset management company), ZBD (a bitcoin lightning FinTech), and Hidden Road (a prime brokerage and clearing company) have received a crypto asset service provider license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). 

Notably, MiCA is a new EU rule for crypto companies, requiring them to obtain a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license from one member state, which enables them to operate across all EU countries. The European Union had set a Dec. 30 deadline for its member states to implement MiCA, though not all countries have managed to do so. MoonPay’s CEO, Ivan Soto-Wright, expressed pride in being among the first to adopt the new framework with the Dutch authority.

MoonPay Leads as First to Adopt EU’s MiCA Framework

“MiCA represents a pivotal moment for the European digital asset industry, and we’re proud to have worked collaboratively with the Dutch AFM to be among the first to embrace this new regulatory framework,” shared Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO and co-founder of MoonPay, in a statement.

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Socios.com and GSR Markets Receive Regulatory Approvals

Socios.com, a platform for fan engagement, has been granted approval by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) to operate as a regulated crypto service provider. The approval is for a class 3 Virtual Financial Assets Act (VFAA) license that will enable it to operate as a regulated Virtual Financial Asset service provider.

Additionally, the U.K. has added the crypto trading company GSR Markets to its official crypto register at the end of 2024. This move aligns with the U.K.’s growing interest in regulating crypto businesses, following the EU’s approach. 

Notably, this approval makes GSR the first crypto liquidity provider to achieve dual regulatory authorization from both the FCA and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).