Kraken Secures MiCA License from Ireland’s Central Bank, Expanding Regulated Crypto Services Across Europe

Kraken, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has secured a MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) license from the Central Bank of Ireland, marking a major step forward in its European expansion strategy.

The license grants Kraken the legal authority to offer regulated crypto services across all 30 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA). This development places Kraken among the growing list of global crypto platforms adapting to the European Union’s unified regulatory approach for digital assets.

A Unified Path Across the EU

MiCA, the EU’s comprehensive framework for digital asset regulation, is designed to streamline oversight across member states. For Kraken, the license means less operational friction—one license now enables access to the entire EEA crypto market.

In a statement, Kraken highlighted the potential of MiCA to transform the European crypto landscape. The company cited a surge in euro-denominated trading as evidence of growing demand, noting that the new regulatory clarity will help serve both retail and institutional investors more effectively.

Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of Kraken, said the approval is a testament to the company’s focus on long-term growth and innovation within a regulated environment. “Being the first major global crypto platform to receive authorization from the Central Bank of Ireland affirms Kraken’s commitment to building for the long term,” he noted.

Strengthening Kraken’s Position in Europe

Kraken’s presence in Europe is already well-established. The company holds Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registrations in key markets including France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. It also introduced one of the first BTC/EUR trading pairs back in 2013 and now operates what it describes as the most liquid euro-denominated crypto trading platform.

The MiCA license adds to Kraken’s existing European regulatory credentials, which include MiFID and Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licenses. Together, these approvals enable Kraken to broaden its offerings in areas such as spot trading, derivatives, and crypto-related payment services.

A Broader Industry Shift

Kraken’s approval follows closely on the heels of Coinbase’s MiCA registration in Luxembourg, highlighting a broader trend among crypto firms moving to align with European regulations. The EU's regulatory clarity is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage, particularly as uncertainty persists in other jurisdictions, including the United States.

While some parts of the MiCA framework are still being debated—particularly as the European Commission considers adjustments—the European Central Bank (ECB) remains firm in its call for robust safeguards. ECB President Christine Lagarde has also underscored the importance of accelerating work on a digital euro to protect the region’s financial sovereignty.