Bitstamp Becomes First Major Exchange to Bag MiCA License—Luxembourg Regulators Play Along

Crypto’s old guard scores a regulatory touchdown as Bitstamp locks down the EU’s coveted CASP license under MiCA framework. Luxembourg’s financial watchdogs—usually more cautious than a Swiss banker at a crypto conference—gave the green light.

Why it matters: This isn’t just another compliance checkbox. MiCA approval means Bitstamp can now operate across all 27 EU states without jumping through national regulatory hoops—a privilege that’ll make rivals sweat.

The cynical take: Watch traditional finance institutions suddenly ’discover’ the benefits of crypto regulation now that it’s handed out by their own bureaucratic playbook. Bitstamp’s win proves even dinosaurs can adapt—when the incentives align.

This regulatory milestone comes less than a year after Bitstamp obtained a MiFID license for operating a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF).

Bitstamp MiCA CASP License Allows Regulated Crypto Operations Across Europe

Under MiCA, licensed providers must implement stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.

They are also required to maintain client protections, including clear disclosures, safeguarding of assets, and adherence to transparent operational practices.

Notably, Bitstamp’s newly granted CASP license covers Core activities including operating a crypto trading platform, executing orders on behalf of clients, and the custody of crypto-assets to users across Europe.

The approval, which allows a licensed entity in one member state to operate under consistent regulations throughout the EU and avoiding fragmented national requirements, will enable Bitstamp to use the European Passport system to expand its services throughout the E.U.

The company added in its press release that it will continue to pursue new licenses in “key jurisdictions” and grow its offerings for both retail and institutional investors.

According to the press release, Bitstamp has recently enhanced its stablecoin offerings in line with MiCA rules, which include obligations around reserve backing and issuer transparency. However, Bitstamp didn’t state the details of the changes.

The new license from the Slovenian Securities Market Agency allows @Bitstamp to offer a wider range of financial products, including crypto derivatives, to EU clients.#Bitstamp #EU #CryptoDerivativeshttps://t.co/fK85t4yA7y

Prior to this, Bitstamp was granted a MiFID license in 2024, which permits it to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility under traditional financial market rules. Together, these licenses position Bitstamp to bridge traditional financial regulation with the growing digital asset markets.

MiCA’s Role in Shaping Europe’s Crypto Regulation

The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, passed in 2023, is the first major effort to create a unified crypto framework across all 27 EU countries.

Key provisions, like the CASP license, began taking effect in 2024, requiring crypto firms to register with a regulator in one member state and meet strict compliance standards.

Several exchanges have already moved to align with MiCA. Regulators such as Germany’s BaFin and France’s AMF are working with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to coordinate enforcement.

Major crypto exchanges @Bitpanda_global, @okx, and @cryptocom have secured licenses under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.#MiCA #EU #CryptoRegulationhttps://t.co/MpPWzpx00D

Notably, Firms licensed under MiCA can operate across the entire European Economic Area (EEA) through the “passporting” system, provided they meet disclosure, AML/KYC, and operational requirements.

Bitstamp’s approval comes as the EU accelerates its push to regulate crypto markets in line with traditional financial systems.

As enforcement ramps up, more exchanges are expected to pursue MiCA authorization to maintain access to the European market.

While many exchanges such as BitGo, OKX continue to secure MiCA licenses in various member states across the EEA, some others are restructuring, and removing non-compliant offerings to be able to bid for the license.