Crypto Exchange Bitvavo Secures Dutch MiCA License to Operate Across Europe
June 28, 2025 — Bitvavo, a leading European cryptocurrency exchange, has officially received a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets (AFM), enabling the platform to operate throughout Europe under the continent’s newly established regulatory framework.
In a statement released on Friday, Bitvavo co-founder and CEO Mark Nuvelstijn confirmed the milestone achievement and voiced strong support for MiCA regulations. “We fully support the core principles of MiCAR,” Nuvelstijn said, emphasizing the necessity of consistent rule enforcement across all European Union member states to ensure a level playing field for the industry.
Streamlined Process and Constructive Collaboration
Jeetan Patel, Bitvavo’s Chief Risk Officer, highlighted the thorough yet efficient nature of the MiCA licensing process. “Over the past period, we have taken all necessary steps in the licensing process and have ensured compliance with the comprehensive MiCAR regulatory requirements,” Patel stated. He also praised the cooperative relationship between Bitvavo and the AFM during the licensing period, calling the experience “constructive” and noting that the process “progressed efficiently.”
The MiCA framework, which began issuing licenses from January 1, 2025, aims to harmonize crypto regulations across Europe by promoting investor protection, financial stability, and fostering innovation in the digital asset space. Having secured the license, Bitvavo now benefits from clear regulatory guidance, boosting confidence in its capacity to expand services across European markets.
Growing Trend Among Crypto Firms
Bitvavo’s acquisition of the MiCA license follows a wave of approvals granted to major cryptocurrency platforms across Europe in recent weeks. Just earlier this week, crypto exchange Kraken announced it had secured MiCA approval from the Central Bank of Ireland. Similarly, Coinbase obtained its license from Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) on June 21. Additionally, Bybit was granted MiCA authorization by Austria’s Financial Market Authority (FMA) on May 29. This regulatory momentum has sparked renewed confidence among investors and participants within the European crypto ecosystem. Konstantins Vasilenko, co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Paybis, shared with Cointelegraph that trading volumes among EU customers surged by 70% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2025, coinciding with the implementation of the MiCA regulations.
Implications for the European Crypto Market
The introduction of the MiCA framework is a significant step toward standardized cryptocurrency regulation across the European Union. By providing a cohesive set of rules and licensing requirements, MiCA aims to secure market integrity, protect users, and encourage responsible innovation in crypto-related products and services.
Bitvavo’s successful licensing not only marks a pivotal moment for the exchange itself but also reinforces the broader trend of increasing regulatory clarity and institutional acceptance in the European crypto industry.
Source: Bitvavo, Cointelegraph
Report by Ciaran Lyons
About Bitvavo:
Founded in 2017, Bitvavo has grown to become one of Europe’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, offering a broad range of digital assets and trading services to a diverse customer base. The company continues to prioritize compliance and innovation as pillars of its growth strategy.
For continued updates on crypto regulation and market developments across Europe, follow Cointelegraph’s in-depth coverage.