MiCA Transitional Period Ended — 1 July 2026
The MiCA grace period expired on 1 July 2026. Any crypto exchange operating in the EU without a valid CASP licence must now cease operations immediately. Only 14 exchanges hold the full Class 3 authorisation required to operate a trading platform for EU users. Additionally, USDT (Tether) is no longer available on MiCA-licensed platforms — Tether declined to apply for MiCA authorisation. The MiCA-compliant alternatives are USDC and EURC (both issued by Circle).
View ESMA CASP RegisterMiCA Compendium
Markets in Crypto-Assets — EU Regulation
The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is the EU's comprehensive framework for crypto asset service providers (CASPs). Fully applicable since 30 December 2024, it requires all crypto exchanges, custodians, and issuers operating in the EU to obtain a CASP licence from a national competent authority. This compendium lists all firms that have received or applied for a MiCA licence, sourced directly from the official ESMA CASP register .
What is MiCA?
MiCA (Regulation EU 2023/1114) is the world's first comprehensive crypto regulatory framework. It creates a single licensing regime for crypto asset service providers across all 27 EU member states plus EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway).
A firm licensed in one EU country automatically receives a passport to operate in all other member states — similar to how MiFID II works for traditional financial services. This eliminates the need for separate national registrations.
Key MiCA milestones
- Jun 2023MiCA published in EU Official Journal
- Jun 2024Stablecoin (EMT/ART) rules apply
- Dec 2024Full CASP licensing rules apply
- Jan 2025First licences granted (OKX, eToro, Bitpanda)
- Jul 2026Transitional period ended — unlicensed CASPs must cease EU operations
- OngoingESMA register: 183 CASPs licensed across 20 EEA states
Licences by Home Country (Top 10)
| Company | Home Country | Regulator | Licensed Since | Services | Passport | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CACEIS BANK | 🇫🇷France | AMF | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administration | 25 countries | Active |
CoinShares COINSHARES ASSET MANAGEMENT | 🇫🇷France | AMF | 31/10/2025 | Portfolio managementProviding advice | 20 countries | Active |
BBVA | 🇪🇸Spain | CNMV | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto | 15 countries | Active |
Clearstream Clearstream Banking S.A. | 🇱🇺Luxembourg | CSSF | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administrationTransfer services | 28 countries | Active |
Bit2Me | 🇪🇸Spain | CNMV | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+4 | 30 countries | Active |
MoonPay MoonPay Europe B.V. | 🇳🇱Netherlands | DNB | 31/10/2025 | Exchange for fiatExchange for cryptoTransfer services | 27 countries | Active |
Coingate | 🇱🇹Lithuania | LSC | 31/10/2025 | Exchange for fiatTransfer services | 25 countries | Active |
Simplex | 🇱🇹Lithuania | LSC | 31/10/2025 | Exchange for fiatExchange for crypto | 22 countries | Active |
LGT Bank LGT Bank AG | 🇱🇮Liechtenstein | FMA | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+2 | 18 countries | Active |
Bank Frick Bank Frick AG | 🇱🇮Liechtenstein | FMA | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+1 | 20 countries | Active |
Safello Safello AB | 🇸🇪Sweden | FI | 31/10/2025 | Exchange for fiatExchange for cryptoTransfer services | 15 countries | Active |
KBC | 🇧🇪Belgium | FSMA | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto | 12 countries | Active |
CheckSig CheckSig S.r.l. | 🇮🇹Italy | OAM | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administration | 10 countries | Active |
Coinmotion Coinmotion Oy | 🇫🇮Finland | FIN-FSA | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+1 | 20 countries | Active |
Boerse Stuttgart Digital Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody GmbH | 🇩🇪Germany | BaFin | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administration | 20 countries | Active |
Tradias Tradias GmbH | 🇩🇪Germany | BaFin | 31/10/2025 | Exchange for fiatExchange for cryptoOrder execution+1 | 22 countries | Active |
Lightyear Lightyear Europe AS | 🇪🇪Estonia | EFSA | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administrationOrder executionReception & transmission of orders | 18 countries | Active |
LHV Pank AS LHV Pank | 🇪🇪Estonia | EFSA | 31/10/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto | 15 countries | Active |
Robinhood | 🇱🇹Lithuania | LSC | 29/05/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+1 | 28 countries | Active |
Bybit Bybit EU GmbH | 🇦🇹Austria | FMA | 28/05/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+2 | 29 countries | Active |
KuCoin EU KuCoin EU GmbH | 🇦🇹Austria | FMA | 27/11/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+2 | 28 countries | Active |
OKX | 🇲🇹Malta | MFSA | 27/01/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+2 | 30 countries | Active |
Bitpanda | 🇲🇹Malta | MFSA | 27/01/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+2 | 30 countries | Active |
Crypto.com | 🇲🇹Malta | MFSA | 27/01/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+2 | 30 countries | Active |
Kraken Kraken Digital Asset Exchange | 🇮🇪Ireland | CBI | 25/06/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+2 | 30 countries | Active |
Bitpanda Asset Management Bitpanda Asset Management GmbH | 🇩🇪Germany | BaFin | 24/01/2025 | Portfolio managementProviding advice | 25 countries | Active |
Coinbase Coinbase Europe Limited | 🇱🇺Luxembourg | CSSF | 20/06/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+2 | 30 countries | Active |
eToro e Toro | 🇨🇾Cyprus | CySEC | 16/01/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+3 | 30 countries | Active |
Bitstamp Bitstamp Europe S.A. | 🇱🇺Luxembourg | CSSF | 15/05/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+2 | 30 countries | Active |
Bitpanda Bitpanda GmbH | 🇦🇹Austria | FMA | 09/04/2025 | Custody & administrationExchange for fiatExchange for crypto+4 | 30 countries | Active |
Platforms with Active MiCA CASP Licence
Crypto exchanges and investment platforms holding an active MiCA CASP licence issued by a national EU competent authority. Crypto exchanges are listed first, followed by brokers and investment platforms.
Not all exchanges operating in the EU are listed here — some may be in the application process or operating under transitional arrangements.View full ranking →
RegulationMEXC Faces U.S. Financial Cutoff Over $16 Billion Allegations—But the Order Is Not Immediate
U.S. Treasury has ordered a financial-system cutoff for MEXC Global, alleging at least $16 billion in illicit transactions. The restriction covers crypto as well as fiat transfers, but takes effect only 30 days after Federal Register publication; MEXC says it continues to operate normally.
RegulationHTX’s UK Exit Gains Court Backing as FCA Secures Pledge Through 2031
The FCA announced a settlement with Huobi Global S.A. on October 29, securing court undertakings against unlawful UK crypto promotions until October 2031. New registrations and deposits are unavailable to UK consumers, while residual withdrawals remain subject to eligibility checks and approval.
RegulationCFTC Outlines Federal Route for Leveraged Crypto Exchanges—But Final Rules Are Still Ahead
The CFTC has opened a consultation on a federal framework for crypto exchanges offering retail leverage, margin or financing. Its proposed crypto asset market category could reshape exchange oversight, but registration standards, custody safeguards and implementation remain unsettled.
RegulationSEC Proposes New Crypto Custody Path for Investment Advisers and Funds
The SEC has proposed a new framework for how registered investment advisers and regulated funds can safeguard crypto assets, including a narrow self-custody option and a role for state trust companies. It is a proposal, not a final rule, but it could reshape institutional demand for qualified digital-asset custodians.
RegulationU.S. Sanctions BitBank as Crypto Enforcement Reaches Hormuz Payments
The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned Iranian cryptocurrency exchange BitBank, alleging it transferred hundreds of millions of dollars in bitcoin to the IRGC and processed payments linked to Strait of Hormuz shipping. The action raises immediate screening and counterparty-risk questions for exchanges, banks and liquidity providers operating beyond the United States.
RegulationAustralia's Crypto Licensing Deadline Is Weeks Away — What Exchanges Must Do Before October 1
Australia's crypto firms have until September 30, 2026 to apply for or vary a financial-services licence under ASIC's transitional no-action position. The deadline is an important near-term test for exchanges, custodians and brokers operating in one of the world's most active retail digital-asset markets — and a bridge to the country's full Digital Assets Framework in April 2027.
Who is Still Applying for MiCA?
These well-known crypto firms have publicly announced they are seeking or planning to seek a MiCA CASP licence. They are not yet in the ESMA register but are expected to appear as applications are processed by national authorities.
Binance is pursuing MiCA authorisation via its French entity (Binance France SAS, registered with AMF) and has applied in Poland. Expected to be among the first major CEXes to receive full MiCA status.
Gemini Europe Ltd has applied for a MiCA licence in Ireland. The Winklevoss-founded exchange is expanding its EU presence following its acquisition of European operations.
Nexo, the crypto lending platform, has indicated plans to obtain a MiCA licence through its Bulgarian entity. The company returned to the EU market after regulatory issues in the US.
While Coinbase Europe Ltd (Ireland) already holds an e-money licence, the company is evaluating a full MiCA CASP application. Coinbase has been vocal about supporting clear EU regulation.
Robinhood's European crypto arm is pursuing MiCA authorisation in Lithuania, where it already holds a virtual asset service provider (VASP) registration.
MiCA by Country — National Regulators
MiCA uses a single-passport model: a CASP authorised in one EU member state can operate in all 30 EEA countries. Below is a breakdown of the key national competent authorities (NCAs) and the major exchanges they have licensed.
Malta was among the first to grant MiCA CASP licences in January 2025. The MFSA has a long history with crypto regulation, having introduced the Virtual Financial Assets Act (VFAA) in 2018 — making Malta an early hub for crypto firms.
Austria's FMA granted some of the earliest MiCA licences in January 2025. Bitpanda, headquartered in Vienna, is Austria's flagship crypto exchange. The FMA is known for a pragmatic approach to crypto regulation.
Luxembourg's CSSF is the preferred regulator for US-listed companies due to its established financial regulation and English-language environment. Coinbase and Bitstamp chose Luxembourg as their EU home base for MiCA compliance.
BaFin is one of Europe's most rigorous regulators. Germany has a strong tradition of financial regulation and is the EU's largest economy. BaFin granted licences to asset management and custody firms, with retail exchange licences following in late 2025.
France's AMF operates the PSAN (Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques) regime, which predates MiCA. French-registered firms are transitioning to full MiCA CASP status. Binance is pursuing MiCA authorisation via its French entity.
Ireland is popular for US tech companies due to its English-language environment and EU access. Kraken chose Ireland as its EU home for MiCA compliance. Gemini Europe Ltd has applied for a MiCA licence in Ireland.
Bitvavo, the Netherlands' largest crypto exchange, was the first Dutch exchange to receive a MiCA CASP licence from the AFM in January 2025. The AFM has been proactive in crypto regulation, having operated a VASP registration regime since 2020.
CySEC granted eToro one of the first MiCA CASP licences in January 2025. Cyprus has long been a hub for online financial services and was among the first EU countries to implement MiCA.
Lithuania has been a popular VASP registration hub due to its streamlined process. As MiCA takes effect, Lithuanian-registered firms are transitioning to full CASP status. Robinhood's European crypto arm is pursuing MiCA authorisation in Lithuania.
Exchanges Without a Valid MiCA Licence
As of 1 July 2026, these providers cannot legally serve EU customers without a CASP authorisation.
Binance, the world's largest exchange by volume, does not hold a valid MiCA CASP licence as of November 2026. Its application via Greece (filed January 2026) was withdrawn after reportedly stalling. Binance has stated it is pursuing authorisation in another EU member state. A pending application does not extend the right to operate past 1 July 2026.
MEXC holds no MiCA CASP licence and has no known pending application with any EU national competent authority. From 1 July 2026, MEXC cannot legally serve EU clients or market its services in the EU.
HTX (formerly Huobi) does not hold a MiCA CASP licence. The exchange operates primarily from Asia and has not obtained EU-wide authorisation under MiCA.
Bitget has a pending MiCA CASP application with Austria's FMA but has not yet received authorisation. The exchange has stated it will hold off on EEA services until authorised. A pending application does not grant the right to operate.
KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH holds a MiCA licence from Austria's FMA (November 2025), but commencement of full business operations is prohibited under a separate FMA order, which KuCoin has appealed. The new-customer onboarding ban was lifted in May 2026, but the operational restriction remains in effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MiCA and why does it matter?
Can I use a non-MiCA exchange in the EU after July 2026?
Why was USDT (Tether) delisted from EU exchanges?
What is the difference between a CASP licence and a VASP registration?
Which regulator is the most popular 'home' for MiCA licences?
Does a MiCA licence guarantee the safety of my funds?
Data Notice
This data is sourced from the ESMA CASP Register — updated daily by national competent authorities across the EU. For the most current information, always consult the official ESMA register. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.