Dutch crypto exchange Bitvavo has been granted a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license by the Netherlands’ top financial watchdog, giving it a regulatory green light to operate across the European Union under the new, unified crypto framework.
Bitvavo Gains Approval from Dutch Authority for Financial Markets
Bitvavo has officially received its MiCA license from the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets (AFM), marking a key milestone for the Amsterdam-based exchange as it pushes for wider expansion across Europe.
“We fully support the core principles of MiCAR,” said Bitvavo co-founder and CEO Mark Nuvelstijn on Friday. “For a level playing field in Europe, it is essential that the rules are formulated and enforced consistently across all member states.”
Source: Bitvavo
The MiCA license, introduced by the EU to unify and regulate crypto markets across the bloc, is aimed at ensuring financial stability, investor protection, and regulatory clarity. The licensing window officially opened on January 1, 2025.
Compliance Process Called Efficient and Constructive
Bitvavo’s Chief Risk Officer Jeetan Patel described the licensing journey as both rigorous and smooth.
“Over the past period, we have taken all necessary steps in the licensing process and ensured compliance with the comprehensive MiCAR regulatory requirements,” said Patel.
“We highly value the constructive collaboration with the AFM throughout this process. It has progressed efficiently,” he added.
MiCA Licenses on the Rise Across Europe
Bitvavo’s approval is the latest in a wave of MiCA licenses being granted to major crypto platforms in the EU.
On June 26, Kraken secured its license from the Central Bank of Ireland.
Just days earlier, on June 21, Coinbase received its MiCA approval from Luxembourg’s CSSF.
On May 29, Bybit was granted a license from Austria’s FMA.
These approvals are fueling renewed trust in crypto across the EU. Konstantins Vasilenko, co-founder of Paybis, told Cointelegraph that trading volumes from EU users surged 70% quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2025, immediately following MiCA’s implementation.
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