Key Takeaways
- The license was granted by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), and enables Bitvavo to operate across all EU member states
- The license makes Bitvavo one of the first crypto firms in the Netherlands to comply fully with MiCA standards
Leading cryptocurrency exchange Bitvavo has secured regulatory approval under the European Union’s new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. The license was granted by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), enabling Bitvavo to operate across all EU member states
The license makes Bitvavo one of the first crypto firms in the Netherlands to comply fully with MiCA standards, which are designed to harmonize digital asset oversight across the EU. The framework, which officially opened its licensing process on January 1, 2025, sets unified rules on custody, trading, stablecoins, and transparency for crypto asset service providers operating in the European Economic Area.
Bitvavo CEO Mark Nuvelstijn announced the development in a statement issued Friday, calling the license a “crucial step” toward greater market confidence and regulatory clarity. He expressed strong backing for MiCA’s objective to create uniform standards across the bloc.
“For a level playing field in Europe, it is essential that the rules are formulated and enforced consistently across all member states,” Nuvelstijn said, adding that the license offers Bitvavo a roadmap to expand services while adhering to investor protection guidelines.
Jeetan Patel, Chief Risk Officer at Bitvavo, noted that the firm underwent an extensive licensing procedure to meet the AFM’s requirements. “We have taken all necessary steps in the licensing process and ensured compliance with the comprehensive MiCAR regulatory requirements,” Patel said. He also praised the AFM for its efficient handling of the approval process, describing the regulator’s engagement as constructive and timely.
MiCA aims to streamline fragmented crypto rules across EU countries and is considered one of the most comprehensive regulatory initiatives in the global digital asset space. It covers crypto trading platforms, wallet providers, stablecoin issuers, and other service providers. All entities offering crypto-related services in the EU are required to register with national regulators and comply with MiCA rules by December 2025.
This latest development comes against the backdrop of several crypto firms securing MiCA licenses. Earlier this week, Kraken received the MiCA license from the Central Bank of Ireland. The month of June also saw Coinbase bagging a MiCA license from the Luxembourg’s regulatory body.
