OKX, Crypto.com, and Bitpanda Secure Key Licenses to Expand Crypto Services Across Europe and the UK

OKX and Crypto.com have secured MiCA licenses, allowing them to expand crypto services across all EEA member states. Bitpanda has gained UK regulatory approval, enabling it to re-enter the market. These developments highlight the growing trend of crypto exchanges prioritizing compliance for global expansion.

CONTENTS:

• OKX Expands Across Europe After Securing MiCA License
• Crypto.com Expands to All EEA Member States After Securing MiCA License
• Crypto.com and Bitpanda Secure Key Regulatory Approvals in Europe and the UK

OKX, Crypto.com, and Bitpanda Secure Key Licenses to Expand Crypto Services Across Europe and the UK

OKX Expands Across Europe After Securing MiCA License

Cryptocurrency exchange OKX announced on February 18 that it has expanded its services across 28 European Economic Area (EEA) countries after obtaining a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license. This regulatory approval, granted by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), allows OKX to operate across Europe under a unified framework.

Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe, highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that the company now provides fully regulated, localized crypto services to over 400 million people in the EEA through its European hub in Malta. He emphasized that users in countries such as France, Germany, and Spain can now access OKX’s advanced crypto products with support for local payment methods and currency options.

As part of its expansion, OKX has introduced region-specific services to enhance the user experience. The platform offers spot trading, bot trading, and over-the-counter (OTC) trading, supporting over 240 cryptocurrencies and more than 300 trading pairs, including 60 euro-based pairs. Additionally, European users can deposit and withdraw euros free of charge via bank transfers and purchase crypto using local payment methods such as debit and credit cards.

OKX’s move into the EEA is part of its broader global expansion strategy. In 2024, the exchange entered seven new markets and obtained four additional licenses and registrations. With MiCA compliance secured, OKX strengthens its position as a leading regulated crypto exchange in Europe. Other exchanges have also pursued regulatory approvals under MiCA, including Austria-based Bitpanda, which was licensed by Germany’s BaFin, and Crypto.com, which received approval from Maltese regulators. These developments reflect the growing trend of crypto platforms seeking regulatory compliance to expand their services across Europe.

Crypto.com Expands to All EEA Member States After Securing MiCA License

As of February 12, Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com has officially extended its services to all European Economic Area (EEA) member states. This expansion follows the company’s receipt of a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), granting it the ability to operate across the entire EEA. With this approval, Crypto.com becomes the first major global crypto asset service provider to obtain a full MiCA license.

This move strengthens Crypto.com’s global presence and regulatory compliance. In January, the company launched an institutional-grade exchange in the United States to complement its existing retail-focused Crypto.com App. Additionally, in December 2024, Crypto.com acquired Orion Principals Limited, a brokerage regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market, allowing it to offer financial products in the UAE.

Beyond expanding internationally, Crypto.com is diversifying its financial offerings. In the first quarter of 2025, the exchange plans to introduce stock and stock options trading, extending its services beyond cryptocurrencies. It is also developing new banking features, including personal multicurrency accounts and cash savings accounts. Furthermore, the company aims to file for the launch of an ETF focused on its native token, Cronos (CRO), and is preparing to release its own stablecoin in the third quarter of 2025.

Despite these advancements, Crypto.com’s native token Cronos (CRO) has experienced a decline, currently trading 90% below its all-time high from November 2021. According to CoinMarketCap data, the token has recorded losses of 5% daily, 12% weekly, and 30% monthly.

Crypto.com and Bitpanda Secure Key Regulatory Approvals in Europe and the UK

Crypto.com has received authorization to provide cross-border crypto asset services across all European Economic Area (EEA) member states, while Bitpanda has gained approval to operate in the UK, expanding its reach in the European market.

Crypto.com Secures MiCA License for EEA Expansion

On February 12, Crypto.com announced that it can now offer crypto services across all EEA member states after obtaining a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). This regulatory milestone positions Crypto.com as the first major global crypto asset service provider (CASP) to receive full MiCA approval.

Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Receiving this approval further cements our continued commitment to being the most compliant and regulated crypto platform globally.”

With this latest approval, Crypto.com strengthens its presence in Europe and adds to its list of regulatory licenses in key markets, including the UK, Singapore, Dubai, the US, and Australia.

Bitpanda Expands to the UK

Meanwhile, Bitpanda has secured regulatory approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), allowing it to re-enter the UK market. This authorization enables UK investors to access the platform’s services, which include staking, savings plans, and crypto indices, alongside over 500 cryptocurrencies.

Bitpanda CEO Eric Demuth highlighted the importance of the UK market, stating, “Being Europe’s leading crypto platform means being in the UK – there was no question about it.”

With its FCA approval, Bitpanda plans to reopen its UK office and expand its local team. This is a significant development, as the platform had previously been restricted in the UK, preventing new user registrations and requiring existing clients to sign an online agreement.

Both Crypto.com and Bitpanda’s recent approvals reflect a broader trend of crypto exchanges prioritizing regulatory compliance to expand their services across Europe and beyond.