MoonPay has secured approval to operate as a licensed cryptocurrency service provider in the Netherlands, under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets granted the company a license on December 30, 2024, marking a significant milestone as MiCA’s regulations became fully enforceable for crypto businesses across the EU.
The company, known for its fiat-to-crypto on-ramps, will continue offering its services, including crypto-to-fiat conversions, under the new Dutch license. MoonPay’s co-founder and CEO, Ivan Soto-Wright, called the approval a key step in solidifying crypto’s position in the global economy.
With MiCA regulations now fully active, the EU enters a transitional phase where crypto service providers can continue operating under previous laws until July 2026, or until their licenses are finalized.
MoonPay, founded in 2018, has become a major player in the space, offering services through platforms like PayPal in the US, UK, and EU. Additionally, MoonPay is reportedly negotiating the acquisition of Helio Pay for $150 million.
Since MiCA’s introduction in 2020 and its adoption in 2023, the EU has begun implementing stricter rules for crypto operations, including for stablecoins, which have seen enforcement since mid-2024.
