BitPay wins Dutch MiCA approval for EU wide crypto services

BitPay has secured authorization under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, allowing the crypto payments company to offer regulated digital asset services across the bloc through its Dutch subsidiary.

According to a press release shared with crypto.news, BitPay B.V. has received authorization as a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), enabling the company to operate across European Union member states under MiCA’s passporting rules.

The approval allows BitPay to expand regulated crypto payment services across the region, including cryptocurrency payment acceptance, stablecoin-based transactions, and cross-border payment solutions for businesses. Consumers will also gain access to tools for spending and managing digital assets, while partner platforms can support buying, selling, and swapping cryptocurrencies.

Thom de Jong, BitPay’s Chief Compliance Officer Europe, said the authorization strengthens the company’s ability to serve businesses and consumers throughout the EU while reinforcing its compliance-focused approach. He added that MiCA provides a common regulatory framework for responsible digital asset innovation across Europe.

MiCA licensing race reshapes the European market

BitPay joins a growing list of crypto companies that have secured MiCA authorization following the European Union’s July 1 deadline requiring crypto-asset service providers to operate under the new regulatory framework.

Earlier this month, Ripple received full CASP authorization from Luxembourg’s financial regulator after first obtaining preliminary approval in June. Coinbase also selected Luxembourg as its European regulatory base, giving it passporting rights across all 27 EU member states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Not every company completed the licensing process before the deadline. Earlier reports showed Binance withdrew its Greek license application and began limiting services in several European markets after the transition period ended.

Industry observers have also noted that customer migration toward licensed platforms has created new compliance challenges. Bruna Szego, chair of the EU Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA), previously warned that firms onboarding large numbers of new customers must maintain effective anti-money laundering controls while handling increased demand.

BitPay plans further expansion in Europe

From its European base in Amsterdam, BitPay said it intends to support merchants, partners, and consumers as demand for regulated digital asset payments continues to grow. 

“Europe is one of the most important regions for the future of payments,” said Jonathan Arler, Head of Europe at BitPay. 

“From Amsterdam, BitPay is now positioned to support merchants, partners, and consumers as demand grows for practical ways to accept, move, manage, and spend digital assets.”

The company said the authorization also expands its global regulatory footprint, which already includes money transmitter licenses and other approvals in multiple jurisdictions.

 According to BitPay, the additional regulatory coverage will support businesses and consumers as cryptocurrency payments, stablecoin transactions, consumer finance applications, and cross-border settlement become more widely used.

Founded in 2011, BitPay said the MiCA authorization represents the next stage of its European operations. The company also plans to invest further in regional infrastructure and strategic partnerships to expand regulated cryptocurrency payment services across the European Union.