The Dutch regulator issued four companies the long-awaited Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license. This will allow them to operate in all 27 European Union countries.
Among the license holders are the cryptocurrency payments platform MoonPay, digital asset management company BitStaete, fintech company ZBD specializing in Lightning Network, and brokerage firm Hidden Road. This is reported in a document, published on December 30 by the Dutch Financial Markets Authority (AFM).
MiCA is a regulatory framework that requires crypto companies to obtain a license for providing digital asset management services (CASP). Once this license is obtained, a company can offer its services in all EU countries. The deadline for implementing MiCA rules is December 30, 2024.
Meanwhile, the blockchain platform for engaging sports fans, Socios.com, received a class 3 VFAA (Virtual Financial Assets Act) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), which allows it to operate as a regulated provider of virtual financial assets.
The United Kingdom also continues to enforce cryptocurrency regulations. At the end of 2024, GSR Markets was included in the UK’s cryptocurrency register.
In the EU, the register of CASP (Crypto Asset Service Providers) includes all companies that have received approval or notification from AFM or a similar regulator of another member state. If a company is not in the register:
- it is not obliged to obtain permission.
- Its application is still under consideration.
- It operates illegally.
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