Bitstamp Becomes MiCA-Compliant: EU Crypto Gets a Trusted Player

Bitstamp Secures MiCA License: A Major Milestone in Europe’s Crypto Regulation

Bitstamp, the world’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchange, has officially received approval to operate as a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. The license was granted by Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF)—positioning Bitstamp among the first crypto exchanges to be authorized under the EU’s new regulatory framework.

What the License Covers

With the newly obtained CASP license, Bitstamp can now:

• Legally operate its trading platform across all 27 European Economic Area (EEA) countries.
• Execute buy/sell orders on behalf of customers.
• Offer custody services for crypto-assets under a uniform set of rules.

The license also enables Bitstamp to benefit from the “EU passporting” system, meaning the company can expand its services seamlessly across borders without the need for separate national authorizations.

Why MiCA Matters for Crypto in the EU

MiCA is the EU’s landmark attempt to create a single rulebook for crypto-asset providers. Until now, Europe’s crypto industry has been a patchwork of inconsistent national laws. MiCA introduces clear standards for:

• Consumer protection
• Market integrity
• Operational transparency
• Stablecoin oversight

Jean-Baptiste Graftieaux, Global CEO of Bitstamp, called MiCA "a thoughtful regulatory framework that prioritizes investor safety and confidence." He emphasized that Bitstamp’s approval under MiCA "enables us to offer our European customers an incredibly reliable and protected environment for engaging with crypto-assets."

A Commitment to Compliance and Security

Bitstamp has long positioned itself as one of the most compliance-forward crypto exchanges. The company is already licensed in multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and the US. With MiCA now in force, Bitstamp’s approval further underscores its dedication to:

• Strong Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) practices.
• High security standards for custody and transaction infrastructure.
• Transparent governance for both retail and institutional clients.

This regulatory clarity is likely to be a magnet for institutional investors, many of whom have hesitated to fully engage in the crypto market due to legal uncertainty.

Strategic Expansion Plans in Europe

The CASP license is part of Bitstamp’s broader strategy to grow its footprint in Europe. The exchange plans to:

• Expand its product offerings for both retail and institutional investors.
• Launch new crypto investment products, including MiCA-compliant stablecoins and regulated DeFi tools.
• Continue applying for licenses in other key global jurisdictions, aligning with local laws.

Bitstamp’s approach reflects a growing trend among crypto firms: embracing regulation as a competitive advantage, rather than resisting it.

Setting the Standard for the MiCA Era

Bitstamp’s MiCA license comes less than a year after it was authorized under MiFID II to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF)—a regulated trading platform typically used by financial institutions. This move made Bitstamp one of the first exchanges to bridge traditional finance with digital assets in Europe.

By aligning its infrastructure with both MiFID and MiCA, Bitstamp is not just complying with new rules—it’s actively shaping the future of regulated crypto in Europe.

Bitstamp’s MiCA approval marks a pivotal moment for the European crypto market. As regulation sweeps across the industry, exchanges that align early—like Bitstamp—are setting the tone for a more secure, transparent, and investor-friendly crypto ecosystem in Europe.