Bitvavo Secures MiCA License in the Netherlands, Expanding European Operations

Dutch cryptocurrency exchange Bitvavo has obtained a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the Netherlands Authority for Financial Markets (AFM), enabling it to operate throughout the European Union under the new regulatory framework.

In a statement on Friday, Bitvavo CEO and co-founder Mark Nuvelstijn welcomed the approval, affirming the exchange’s commitment to MiCA’s objectives. 

“We strongly support the core principles of MiCAR,” he said. “Consistent rulemaking and enforcement across all EU member states are crucial for maintaining a fair and competitive market.”

The license provides Bitvavo with regulatory clarity and confidence to expand its services across Europe. MiCA, which came into effect earlier this year, aims to harmonize crypto regulations, prioritizing investor protection, financial stability, and innovation.

Bitvavo’s Chief Risk Officer, Jeetan Patel, described the licensing process as thorough yet streamlined. “We have diligently met all MiCAR regulatory requirements and appreciate the AFM’s constructive approach, which ensured an efficient progression,” he said.

The MiCA licensing regime officially opened on January 1, positioning Bitvavo among the early adopters of the EU’s standardized crypto framework.