MoonPay approved under MiCA to operate in the EU

MoonPay, a crypto payment solutions provider, has officially received approval to operate under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, according to a Dec. 30 statement shared with CryptoSlate.

The firm secured its license from the Netherlands’ Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), and this milestone grants MoonPay the ability to offer services seamlessly across the European Economic Area (EEA).

Ivan Soto-Wright, the CEO of MoonPay, sees this approval as a significant achievement. He said that it shows the company’s dedication to proactive regulatory engagement and its mission to bridge traditional finance with the crypto ecosystem.

Soto-Wright also noted this milestone marks a critical step in solidifying 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’re eager to deepen collaborations with regulators, businesses, and users as we shape the future of digital payments.”

The MiCA framework, introduced by the European Union, establishes a unified regulatory environment for digital assets. It prioritizes consumer protection, transparency, and market integrity, creating a solid foundation for the growing crypto industry.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) stated that the guidance prevents market abuse and enhances cross-border regulatory coordination to strengthen the stability and integrity of Europe’s burgeoning crypto market.

With the framework’s full effect today, Dec. 30, MoonPay aims to leverage this regulatory clarity to expand its European footprint. The firm also plans to explore innovative payment solutions and digital asset applications while ensuring compliance with evolving standards.

This move comes as MoonPay is reportedly in discussions to acquire Helio Pay, a crypto payment provider, for approximately $150 million. If finalized, this deal would represent MoonPay’s largest acquisition since its inception in 2018, further solidifying its market leadership.

MoonPay enables seamless fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat transactions, with operations spanning over 180 countries. The platform supports more than 100 digital assets and facilitates accessible and secure digital currency usage for businesses and individuals alike.