Bitvavo has become the last exchange of crypto to obtain a license in Crypto-Asets markets (MICA) by the Dutch authority for the financial markets (AFM), allowing it to operate through Europe within the framework of the new regulatory framework.
Bitvavo co-founder and CEO, Mark Nuvelstijn, confirmed the news in a statement on Friday and expressed full support for the Mica process. “We fully support the fundamental principles of Micar,” he said, adding:
“For a level playground in Europe, it is essential that the rules are formulated and applied in a coherent manner between all the Member States.”
Bitvavo’s head of risk says it was “constructive collaboration”
Nuvelstijn said that the license provides the exchange of crypto with clear advice and confidence to operate across Europe. Mica is designed to normalize and regulate the cryptography market across Europe, focusing on the protection of investors, financial stability and innovation. The Mica license window opened its doors on January 1.
Bitvavo’s risk director Jeetan Patel said the process was rigorous but effective.
“During the last period, we took all the necessary measures of the license process and we ensured compliance with the complete requirements for micro regulation,” said Patel.
“We strongly appreciate constructive collaboration with AFM throughout this process. It has progressed effectively,” he added.
Cryptographic companies are flocking to obtain mica
The announcement follows a series of Mica license approvals in Europe in recent months.
Wednesday, Crypto Exchange Kraken said he had received the Mica license from the Central Bank of Ireland. On June 21, Crypto Exchange Coinbase obtained a mica license from the Luxembourg Surveillance Commission for the financial sector.
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Three weeks earlier, on May 29, Crypto Exchange Bybit obtained a Mica license from Austria Financial Market Authority (FMA).
The adopted regulatory framework has led to a renewal of investor confidence in the region.
Konstantins Vasilenko, co-founder and director of business development at Paybis, told Cintelegraph on June 22 that the EU client negotiation volumes had jumped 70% in quarter in the third quarter of 2025, just after the mica regulation took effect.
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