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Coinbase has secured a full MiCA license from Luxembourg, allowing it to offer crypto services across the entire European Union
The exchange has designated Luxembourg as its European hub, unifying operations previously fragmented across multiple jurisdictions
It has positioned itself to serve over 450 million EU residents under a single regulatory framework

Coinbase has taken a major step toward expanding its European operations by obtaining a coveted MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) license from Luxembourg’s financial regulator. The approval allows the U.S.-based crypto exchange to operate across all 27 EU countries under one unified regulatory system, eliminating the need for separate authorizations. Seen by some as the European version of the New York BitLicense, the award makes Coinbase the first mover among the crypto giants to fall in line with the new regulations, with many more expected to follow in 2025 and 2026.

Unified Access Under MiCA

In a blog post announcing the news, Coinbase celebrated the “significant step,” noting that it “lays the foundation for a thriving crypto ecosystem.” The MiCA license grants Coinbase the right to “passport” its services across the EU’s single market, meaning it can offer crypto trading, custody, and other services in all member states without needing to apply for licenses in each. This move consolidates Coinbase’s previous national registrations in countries like Germany, France, and Ireland under one legal umbrella, simplifying compliance and enabling faster rollout of new features.

Coinbase also praised Luxembourg as a strategic choice for its license, calling it “a dynamic country with a strong tradition of financial oversight.” The company cited the nation’s proactive blockchain legislation as being a key reason for its application (the country has passed four specific laws in recent years), adding that its “whole-of-government” approach makes it one of the more forward-thinking jurisdictions in Europe. Luxembourg is known for its high regulatory standards and is home to many global financial institutions, making it an attractive place to anchor crypto operations as MiCA takes effect.

A Crowded Field, But With Structure

Coinbase is far from alone in the race to secure a MiCA license. Other major crypto exchanges like OKX, Crypto.com, and Bybit have also rushed to gain EU regulatory clearance through various member states, including Malta and Austria. While competition is heating up, industry watchers see MiCA as a long-overdue framework that could finally bring consistency and legitimacy to crypto in Europe. The hope is that a structured regime will avoid the pitfalls of fragmented oversight, which have historically left investors vulnerable and innovation stifled.

By locking in this licence early and planting its flag in Luxembourg, Coinbase has not only secured a passport to Europe but also taken a decisive step toward reshaping the regulatory future of the crypto industry in one of the world’s most important financial markets.

The post Coinbase Secures Precious MiCA License appeared first on FullyCrypto.

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Filed under: Bitcoin - @ June 23, 2025 8:26 am