MoonPay Secures MiCA License to Operate in the Netherlands
MoonPay, a blockchain payment company based in the United States, has obtained an operational license to enter the Dutch market under the European Union's Markets-in-Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.
The Netherlands Financial Market Authority granted the license following a thorough review ensuring compliance with local regulations.
π achievement unlocked
β we've received approval under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation in The Netherlands
π this enables MoonPay to innovate crypto payments across Europe!
π«‘ 2025 is going to be big pic.twitter.com/adLjntXhLo
— MoonPay π£ (@moonpay) December 30, 2024
MoonPay Expands to the Netherlands
This development precedes the full implementation of MiCA, which requires service operators to register as licensed entities before serving users in any EU member state. MiCA, approved by the European Parliament in April 2023, establishes a standardized regulatory framework for digital assets across the European Economic Area (EEA), positioning it as the second-largest crypto economy globally after North America.
With MiCA approval, MoonPay can offer its complete range of services, including fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat payment options. The firm operates in over 180 countries and supports more than 100 digital assets. In Europe, MoonPay is also registered in Liechtenstein, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland as a virtual asset service provider (VASP).
Commitment to Regulatory Compliance
Ivan Soto-Wright, co-founder and CEO of MoonPay, stated that the license reflects the company's commitment to regulatory compliance, emphasizing a proactive approach to regulation and building trust between traditional finance and the evolving crypto ecosystem.
MoonPay's regulatory success aligns with strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing its position in the crypto payments market. In October, the company partnered with Ripple to enable direct purchases of XRP using credit cards and third-party payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay. In May, MoonPay collaborated with BitPay for seamless crypto purchases and joined Element Wallet to improve transaction services.
Additionally, MoonPay is reportedly exploring the acquisition of Helio Pay, a Web3-focused e-commerce firm, with discussions valuing the potential deal around $150 million.