On January 6, 2025, MoonPay, BitStaete, ZBD, and Hidden Road became the first companies to obtain Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) licenses from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). This significant milestone allows these firms to operate across all 27 member states of the European Union.

The MiCA regulatory framework aims to create a unified set of rules for crypto asset service providers (CASPs) within the EU. With a deadline for implementation set for December 30, 2024, the Netherlands has emerged as an early adopter of these regulations, positioning itself as a leader in European crypto governance.

Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO of MoonPay, expressed pride in collaborating with the AFM to embrace this new regulatory landscape. The licenses will facilitate smoother operations for these companies as they navigate the evolving crypto environment.

As Europe continues to refine its regulatory approach to digital assets, these licenses mark a pivotal moment for the industry. Other jurisdictions are also aligning with EU standards, signalling a broader trend towards enhanced regulation and oversight in the cryptocurrency space.