BitPay announced Thursday that it secured a license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets. The approval enables the company to operate as a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) across European Union member states under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. The licensing allows BitPay to expand its crypto and stablecoin payment services in the region, following a July 1 requirement mandating all entities offering crypto-related services in the EU to obtain regulatory approval under MiCA.
BitPay Secures CASP License from Dutch Financial Regulator
BitPay said Thursday that the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets approved the company as a crypto-asset service provider under MiCA. The approval permits BitPay to expand its services across EU member states, including crypto and stablecoin payments. BitPay was among the latest companies to receive licensing under MiCA following the July 1 requirement for all entities offering crypto-related services to be regulated.
"Europe is one of the most important regions for the future of payments," said Jonathan Arler, BitPay's European head.
Source: BitPay
MiCA Compliance Requirement Takes Effect July 1
The July 1 deadline required all crypto service providers operating in the EU to secure regulatory approval under the MiCA framework. Many crypto companies attempted to obtain approvals before the deadline. Binance abandoned initial efforts with EU regulators. Ripple announced last week that it secured a CASP license with Luxembourg's financial regulator.
FAQ
What license did BitPay receive from Dutch authorities?
BitPay received approval as a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. The license allows BitPay to operate across European Union member states and expand crypto and stablecoin payment services in the region.
When did the MiCA licensing requirement take effect?
The MiCA framework imposed a July 1 requirement mandating all entities offering crypto-related services in the EU to obtain regulatory approval. BitPay announced its licensing approval Thursday, following this compliance deadline.