- Kraken will now offer full crypto services in all 30 EEA countries with one EU license.
- The exchange already has legal approval in key markets like France and the Netherlands.
- MiCA rules give users more trust and safety when using digital asset platforms in Europe.
Kraken has received a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the Central Bank of Ireland, allowing the cryptocurrency exchange to operate across all 30 European Economic Area member states. This approval positions Kraken as the first major global crypto platform to obtain authorization under Ireland’s MiCA regime. With this license, Kraken can now legally extend its regulated crypto services throughout the European Union, supporting expansion in spot trading, payments, and derivatives.
Strong Regulatory Backing Supports EU Expansion
The MiCA license follows Kraken’s previous regulatory gains in the European market. In 2023, the exchange secured an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license, while in February 2025, it obtained a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license. Together, these regulatory wins form a robust foundation for Kraken’s planned EU-wide expansion.
According to Kraken, the Central Bank of Ireland’s approval validates years of preparation and alignment with Europe’s toughest regulatory expectations. Arjun Sethi, Kraken’s co-CEO, said the license demonstrates trust in the platform’s long-term compliance strategy and its commitment to delivering secure crypto services across Europe.
Kraken already holds Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registrations in Ireland, Belgium, France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, and Spain. These approvals provided a base for the platform’s early European presence, but the MiCA license offers a broader legal framework to scale operations quickly and consistently.
MiCA Signals Regulatory Consistency Across the EU
The MiCA regulation, which began implementation in 2024, was designed to introduce a unified set of rules for digital assets across the EU. This legal structure enables approved companies like Kraken to provide services without securing separate licenses in each EU country.
MiCA’s framework ensures consumer protection, market stability, and transparency in how crypto businesses operate across borders. For Kraken users, this license confirms that their services meet strict standards under a single EU regime, reducing legal uncertainty.
There are some platforms that have opted not to comply with MiCA. The stablecoin USDt issued by Tether declared that it does not intend to register under the MiCA regulations, which led to the decision of the exchanges to delist the token.
Kraken has not fallen short in arguing that it has a long history in the euro-denominated crypto market. It was the first to introduce a trading cryptocurrency pair with the euro, BTC/EUR, in the year 2013, and its exchange platform is considered one of the most liquid exchanges when trading euros against cryptocurrencies.
Related: Kraken to Tokenize 50 US Stocks for Global 24/7 Access
How Will MiCA Shape the Competitive Landscape in Europe?
Kraken joins a growing list of global exchanges securing MiCA approval to gain market advantage. Coinbase recently obtained a license in Luxembourg. OKX and Gemini have picked Malta as their registration hub, with Gemini in final discussions, according to reports.
Kraken’s lead in Ireland may offer a competitive edge. With the license in place, the company is now set to broaden services for retail, institutional, and professional clients. These include regulated spot trading, crypto derivatives, and digital payment offerings.
In the second strategic step, Kraken moved its headquarters to Wyoming, citing state-level pro-crypto policies. Yet, it has been operating across the U.S., where lawmakers currently debate crypto laws, including those governing digital asset markets and payment stablecoins. Holding the MiCA license in conjunction with MiFID and EMI licenses empowers Kraken to continue its growth reliably.
