Bitpanda secures MiCA licence to expand EU operations

Bitpanda has received a MiCA licence from Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority, allowing it to operate under a unified regulatory framework across all 27 EU member states.

The MiCA licence introduces a single regulatory regime for the crypto industry in Europe, addressing long-standing challenges related to fragmented rules across countries. 

The framework provides licensing clarity, standardizes rules for crypto service providers, and prohibits reverse solicitation, requiring non-EU firms to secure an EU licence before offering services.

European adoption 

Bitpanda’s leadership emphasized the significance of this milestone. Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad, Deputy CEO, said the licence aligns with the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and will drive adoption and growth in European markets. CEO Eric Demuth added that the licence enables the platform to offer regulated investment services to a broader audience across the EU.

“This milestone enables us to bring easy and safe investing to over 450 million people, unlocking unparalleled growth potential in a market we’re ready to fully conquer,” Demuth said. 

The MiCA licence removes the need for individual country-specific approvals, reducing operational complexities for Bitpanda. The framework also enhances investor protections by introducing stricter obligations on crypto firms to prevent malpractice.

With the new licence, Bitpanda plans to scale its retail and institutional services across the EU, taking advantage of the harmonized regulatory environment to expand its offerings and user base.

Founded in 2014, Bitpanda has grown its user base from 1 million in 2019 to 6 million by December 2024. The company holds 17 licences, including PSD2 and MiFID II, and offers a range of products spanning cryptocurrencies, stocks, and commodities.