MiCA. Credit: Formatoriginal, Shutterstock
Dutch-based crypto platform Bitvavo gains approval to operate across Europe.
Bitvavo, one of Europe’s largest cryptocurrency trading platforms, has just received a full licence under the new Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), marking a significant milestone for the crypto industry in the EU.
The licence, granted by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and announced on June 27, 2025, means Bitvavo can now legally operate in all EU member states, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
“This licence is an important milestone for Bitvavo and our users,” said Jeetan Patel, Chief Risk Officer at Bitvavo. “It enables us to offer our services across Europe under a single licence… We highly value the constructive collaboration with the AFM throughout this process. It has progressed efficiently.”
What is MiCA?
The MiCA regulation or MiCAR aims to bring consistency and security to crypto trading in the EU by:
- Creating harmonised rules for crypto service providers
- Improving consumer protection and regulatory clarity
- Eliminating the need for separate national registrations.
“We fully support the core principles of MiCAR. For a level playing field in Europe, it is essential that the rules are formulated and enforced consistently across all member states,” said Mark Nuvelstijn, CEO and co-founder of Bitvavo.
The licence clears the way for Bitvavo to expand services more efficiently across the EU, serving both retail and institutional clients. Users can expect:
- A wider range of accessible crypto assets
- A streamlined app and trading platform
- Low fees and consistent user protections.
Bitvavo’s growing footprint
Launched in Amsterdam in 2018, Bitvavo now boasts nearly two million users. It claims the title of the largest player in the global EUR spot market, underlining its ambitions to dominate Europe’s crypto landscape.
While MiCA promises much-needed order, some critics argue that regulation could stifle innovation.
Let us know what you think. Is this the beginning of crypto maturity in the EU, or the start of overregulation?
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