Coinbase makes history with EU-wide crypto license under MiCA

Coinbase, the largest US-based exchange, has taken a major step in its global expansion by securing approval under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, according to a June 20 statement.

The exchange confirmed that Luxembourg’s financial watchdog, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), granted it the necessary license to operate across the EU.

This regulatory green light means Coinbase can now legally offer crypto services in all 27 EU member states.

Coinbase chief policy officer Faryar Shirzad said:

“Coinbase is now licensed to operate across all 27 member states of the EU! The securing of our MICA license is a massive step forward for our business in Europe.”

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong met with Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden and other government officials to mark the milestone.

MiCA was designed to establish a unified set of rules for digital assets across the European Union. The framework aims to protect consumers, ensure compliance, and reduce regional regulatory fragmentation.

With the MiCA framework now in effect, the approval marks a turning point in Coinbase’s European strategy, prompting the firm to shift its regional headquarters from Ireland to Luxembourg.

The exchange’s registration under this new system positions it as the first American crypto exchange to receive formal MiCA recognition. The move helps it to join a list that includes global competitors like OKX, Bybit, and Crypto.com, who have secured the licensing.

Coinbase’s decision to anchor its European presence in Luxembourg reflects the country’s forward-leaning stance on digital innovation.

According to Coinbase, Luxembourg is a strategic jurisdiction that balances innovation with regulatory maturity. The exchange noted that the country has passed four blockchain-related laws in recent years and continues to lead digital finance policy efforts at the national level.

Considering this, Coinbase said:

“MiCA lays the foundation for a thriving crypto ecosystem, it’s equally important that policymakers continue to drive swift and ambitious initiatives to maintain Europe’s competitive edge on the global stage. The CSSF has set a high standard, and we hope to see this spirit replicated across the region.”

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