MoonPay, a crypto payment solutions provider, has officially received approval to operate under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations, according to a December 30 statement shared with CryptoSlate.
The company has obtained a license from the Dutch Financial Markets Authority (AFM) and this milestone gives MoonPay the opportunity to seamlessly offer services throughout the European Economic Area (EEA).
Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO of MoonPay, considers this approval a significant achievement. He said it shows the company’s commitment to proactive regulation and its mission to bridge traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem.
Soto-Wright also noted that this milestone marks a crucial step in strengthening crypto’s role in the global economy. He told CryptoSlate:
“This milestone is not just about compliance; it’s about solidifying the crypto industry’s place in the global financial system. We are eager to deepen collaboration with regulators, businesses and users as we shape the future of digital payments.”
The MiCA framework, introduced by the European Union, creates a unified regulatory environment for digital assets. It prioritizes consumer protection, transparency and market integrity, laying a solid foundation for the growing crypto industry.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) stated that the guidelines prevent market abuse and improve cross-border regulatory coordination to strengthen the stability and integrity of the fast-growing European crypto market.
With the framework in full force today, December 30, MoonPay is looking to leverage this regulatory clarity to expand its European footprint. The company also plans to explore innovative payment solutions and applications for digital assets while ensuring compliance with evolving standards.
The move comes as MoonPay is reportedly in talks to acquire crypto payments provider Helio Pay for around $150 million. If completed, this deal would be MoonPay’s largest acquisition since its founding in 2018, further strengthening its market leadership.
MoonPay enables seamless fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat transactions, with operations in more than 180 countries. The platform supports more than 100 digital assets and facilitates accessible and secure use of digital currencies for both businesses and individuals.