• Kraken acquired Coin Meester B.V., enhancing its presence in the Netherlands and expanding its European operations.

  • Kraken now offers VASP services in multiple European countries, including Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and Poland.

  • BCM clients will gain access to Kraken’s 200+ digital products and localized customer support in the coming months.

Kraken, the U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, has finalized its acquisition of Coin Meester B.V. (BCM), one of the oldest registered crypto brokers in the Netherlands. This strategic move aims to bolster Kraken's presence in the Dutch market, alongside reinforcing its position as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in key European regions. 

Notably, with this acquisition, Kraken is solidifying its plans to expand its operations across Europe, especially as new regulatory changes come into effect under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

https://twitter.com/krakenfx/status/1838497691786973504 A Strategic European Expansion

Additionally, over the past two years, Kraken has significantly ramped up its efforts to broaden its footprint in Europe. The exchange's Managing Director in Europe, Brian Gahan, emphasized that this acquisition is a crucial step in Kraken's growth strategy. According to Gahan, this move allows Kraken to provide a "compliant offering" while delivering a superior experience to clients. 

Besides, with the addition of BCM, Kraken can now offer VASP services in Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, France, and Poland. This broad network places Kraken among the few global exchanges that can operate at such scale within a highly regulated market.

Notably, in the coming months, BCM clients will gain access to Kraken’s extensive product offerings. This includes over 200 digital assets and continuous customer support available in local languages. 

Moreover, by integrating BCM’s platform, Kraken is not only expanding its geographical reach but also enhancing its ability to offer region-specific support. This is expected to improve the trading and investing experience for European clients, aligning with Kraken's mission to empower its users with a premium service.

Navigating MiCA’s Regulatory Landscape

Notably, this acquisition comes at a pivotal time for the cryptocurrency industry in Europe. The partial implementation of MiCA, which began on June 30, 2024, is setting the stage for a more regulated crypto environment. 

Therefore, Kraken's acquisition of BCM positions it well ahead of MiCA’s full implementation in December 2024, allowing it to align with the new compliance requirements early. As these regulations take effect, Kraken is better equipped to adapt and thrive, ensuring its operations meet all Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards.

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