Leading crypto exchanges Crypto.com, OKX, and Bitpanda have obtained full Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) licenses, marking a significant step towards расширением their services within the European Economic Area (EEA). This regulatory milestone provides clarity and a standardized framework for crypto operations across EU member states, fostering transparency, security, and consumer protection.
MiCA Licensing Details
- com: Received its MiCA license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), enabling the platform to offer its crypto services across the EEA.
- OKX: Secured its MiCA license in Malta and had also received MiCA pre-authorization the week before the full license.
- Bitpanda: Obtained its license from the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
Strategic Implications for Crypto.com
The MiCA license allows Crypto.com to offer its range of crypto services across the EEA under a unified regulatory framework. Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, emphasized the company’s commitment to compliance and the EU’s foresight in creating a system that streamlines operations and ensures seamless cross-border activity. Besides MiCA, Crypto.com holds licenses and registrations globally, including in the UK, Singapore, Dubai, and the U.S.
In early 2025, Crypto.com launched stock and ETF trading for U.S. users and plans to expand this offering to other jurisdictions. The platform also intends to introduce stock options in Q2 2025 and potentially add FX, commodities, and derivatives on indices in the U.S. and other regions by Q3 2025. Additionally, Crypto.com has entered the sports betting market with its Sport Event Trading feature, regulated in the U.S. by the CFTC.
MiCA’s Broader Impact
The MiCA framework aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory environment for digital assets, ensuring consumer protection, transparency, and market integrity. It governs transparency, disclosure, and governance, including stricter anti-money laundering protocols and reserve requirements for stablecoin issuers. By standardizing rules across member states, MiCA eliminates regulatory inconsistencies and introduces robust consumer protection policies. The regulation also addresses stablecoins and sets guidelines for their issuance and management within the European market.