Crypto.com Secures MiCA License for EU Operations

In a landmark move, Crypto.com has become the first major global crypto exchange to secure an in-principle Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, allowing it to operate within the European Union’s evolving regulatory framework for digital assets.

A Step Toward Regulatory Clarity

Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, emphasized the significance of this achievement:

“We have always been fully supportive of MiCA and strongly believe it will bring clarity, transparency, and establish a more streamlined sentiment towards the regulation of our industry across the EU, all of which adds to the building confidence in the crypto sector,” he said.

Anziani added that Crypto.com is committed to “responsible expansion across the EU,” calling it a “growing and vital hub for crypto investment.”

What MiCA Means for Crypto Players

Introduced by the European Union, the MiCA framework aims to create a comprehensive regulatory structure for digital assets, ensuring:

• Consumer protection
• Transparency in operations
• Market integrity

Entities operating under MiCA must adhere to:

• Strict anti-money laundering (AML) protocols
• Disclosure and governance rules
• Stablecoin reserve requirements to safeguard consumers

MoonPay and MiCA Progress

Crypto.com’s achievement follows in the footsteps of MoonPay, which secured its MiCA approval on December 30, 2024, via the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). MoonPay CEO Ivan Soto-Wright highlighted the company’s dedication to regulation:

“This approval is a testament to MoonPay’s proactive approach to regulation and our commitment to building a trusted bridge between the traditional financial world and the rapidly evolving crypto ecosystem.”

CFTC Inquiry into Crypto.com

Despite this regulatory milestone, Crypto.com faces scrutiny from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for allegedly allowing users to bet on major football games, including the Super Bowl. While details are sparse, this investigation highlights the ongoing complexities of crypto compliance in the global regulatory landscape.

Building Trust Through Regulation

Crypto.com’s MiCA approval underscores its commitment to operating within established frameworks and signals a step toward greater trust and legitimacy in the crypto sector. With regulatory clarity expanding in the EU, companies like Crypto.com and MoonPay are paving the way for a more transparent and consumer-focused crypto ecosystem.