Four companies received a MiCA license to operate in the EU.
The Dutch regulator issued a long-awaited Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license to four companies. This will allow them to operate in all 27 countries of the European Union.
Among the license holders are the cryptocurrency payment platform MoonPay, the digital asset management company BitStaete, the fintech company ZBD specializing in the Lightning Network, and the brokerage firm Hidden Road. This is stated in a report published on December 30 by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM).
MiCA is the regulatory framework that requires cryptocurrency companies to obtain a license to provide digital asset management services (CASP). After obtaining this license, the 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), allowing it to operate as a regulated provider of virtual financial assets.
The UK is also continuing to conduct crypto regulation. By the end of 2024, the firm GSR Markets was included in the UK's cryptocurrency register.
In the EU, the register of crypto service providers (CASP) includes all companies that have received permission or notification from the AFM or a similar regulator from another member state. If a company is not in the register:
it is not required to obtain a permit.
The application is still under review.
Operates illegally.