What happened?
Bitstamp, a longstanding cryptocurrency exchange, has secured the Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This license was granted on May 16, 2025, by Luxembourg’s financial regulator, allowing Bitstamp to operate a MiCA-regulated trading platform and offer crypto custody services across the EU. This milestone follows Bitstamp’s acquisition of a MiFID license for operating a Multilateral Trading Facility less than a year ago.
Who does this affect?
The new CASP license primarily impacts Bitstamp and its European user base, including both retail and institutional investors who now have access to regulated crypto trading and custody services across Europe. The authorization also affects other crypto exchanges looking to operate in the EU, as they must comply with similar regulations to maintain market access. Regulatory bodies within the EU are also involved, overseeing compliance and enforcement according to MiCA standards.
Why does this matter?
The approval of Bitstamp’s CASP license under MiCA is significant for the crypto market as it facilitates regulated growth and stabilizes the digital asset ecosystem within the European Union. By enabling cross-border operations through the European Passport system, the license reduces regulatory fragmentation and encourages other firms to align with MiCA. This movement towards a unified regulatory framework is likely to attract more institutional participation and investment in the EU’s crypto markets.