Coinbase has officially obtained a MiCA license from Luxembourg’s financial regulator, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), becoming the first U.S.-based crypto exchange to achieve full regulatory approval under the European Union’s new crypto framework.
The company announced Friday that Luxembourg will now serve as its central hub for EU operations. This marks a shift from its previous main base in Ireland, where it established its European headquarters in 2023.
The license, issued under the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation, allows Coinbase to offer its digital asset services across all 27 EU member states. The MiCA framework, which came into full effect late last year, aims to create a unified regulatory structure for crypto service providers and improve consumer protections across the region.
Coinbase’s strategic move positions it to lead among global exchanges operating in Europe under the new rules. The company’s compliance with MiCA provides a significant competitive edge at a time when regulatory clarity is becoming essential for expansion.
Meanwhile, rival U.S. exchange Gemini is awaiting regulatory clearance from Malta, where it plans to base its EU operations. Gemini declared Malta as its MiCA hub in January and is expected to receive approval in the near future.
Coinbase’s early approval under MiCA could accelerate its regional growth and solidify its presence as a dominant player in the European crypto market.
Kosta Gushterov
Reporter at Coindoo
Kosta has been a part of the team since 2021 and has solidified his position with a thirst for knowledge, incredible dedication to his work and a “detective-like” mindset. He not only covers a wide range of trending topics, he also creates reviews, PR articles and educational content. His work has also been referenced by other news outlets.
Source: https://coindoo.com/coinbase-secures-eu-mica-license-in-luxembourg/