These Four Companies Receive MiCA Crypto Asset Licenses Issued by the Netherlands

Four Crypto-Asset Service Providers Obtain Dutch AFM Licenses

According to a recent announcement by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), four crypto-asset service providers — MoonPay, BitStaete, Zebedee, and Hidden Road — have successfully acquired the coveted Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) licenses. This certification allows these companies to operate legally across all 27 European Union member states. The licenses represent a significant milestone for these firms, indicating their compliance with the stringent requirements set forth under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

Company Profiles and Services Offered

MoonPay Europe B.V.

• Address: Herengracht 420, 1017BZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• AFM Authorization Number: 41000002
• Authorization Type: CASP Authorization (art.63 MiCAR)
• Services Permitted:

(c) Exchange of crypto-assets for funds;

(d) Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets;

(g) Provision of transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.

BitStaete B.V.

• Address: Hesenstraat 125, 7537PA Oldenzaal, The Netherlands
• AFM Authorization Number: 41000003
• Authorization Type: CASP Authorization (art.63 MiCAR)
• Services Permitted:

(i) Portfolio management of crypto-assets.

Zebedee Europe B.V.

• Address: Vijfteelaat 68, 1071HL Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• AFM Authorization Number: 41000001
• Authorization Type: CASP Authorization (art.63 MiCAR)
• Services Permitted:

(a) Custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;

(c) Exchange of crypto-assets for funds;

(g) Provision of transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.

Hidden Road Partners CIV NL B.V.

• Address: Raamplein 1 - Unit 2.10, 1016 KK Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• AFM Authorization Number: 41000008
• Authorization Type: CASP Notification (art.60 MiCAR)
• Services Permitted:

(e) Exchange of crypto-assets for funds;

(d) Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets;

(f) Execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.

Background and Transition Period under MiCA

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) was proposed by the European Commission in 2020 and came into force on June 30, 2023. However, not all provisions became immediately applicable. Rules concerning stablecoin issuers took effect on June 30, 2024, while other regulations are set to apply starting December 30, 2024.

MiCA provides a “transition period” for crypto-asset service providers. Companies already offering services before December 30, 2024, are allowed to continue operations without a license until July 1, 2026. The exact length of the transition period, however, is determined by the relevant EU member states.

As MiCA implementation approaches, it sets a clear framework for regulatory compliance in the crypto-asset industry. This framework not only ensures stability and security but also provides time for companies to adjust to the new requirements. The successful licensing of MoonPay, BitStaete, Zebedee, and Hidden Road by AFM underscores their commitment to compliance and serves as a benchmark for other companies aiming to expand into the EU market.