The cryptocurrency exchange, Kraken, has finally received regulatory approval under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) guideline. This license opens the door for Kraken to an expanded presence across the 30 countries within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Kraken Receives MiCA’s Approval in Ireland
Kraken is now MiCA licensed ✅
Greenlit by the Central Bank of Ireland, we’re cleared to operate across all 30 EEA states.
License secured. EU expansion unlocked.
Let’s build 🇪🇺 ⤵️ https://t.co/nrYYVmJueU pic.twitter.com/IV6Bz1wHeJ
— Kraken Exchange (@krakenfx) June 25, 2025
The approval comes from the Central Bank of Ireland, granting Kraken the ability to offer regulated crypto services under the newly implemented MiCA regime. This license places Kraken among a growing list of exchanges (such as Coinbase, OKX, Crypto.com, and Bybit) that have secured or are pursuing MiCA registration to strengthen their foothold in the EU’s crypto market.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Kraken highlighted the significance of the license, calling it a landmark moment for the company and for crypto regulation in Europe.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Central Bank of Ireland for its professionalism, and to the Irish Government and IDA for their consistent support,” said the company. “This collaboration is a blueprint for how public and private sectors can work together to build a more secure, innovative financial future for Europe.”
Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi added, “We believe trust is the most valuable currency in crypto, and it’s something you earn. Over the past several years, our team has worked tirelessly to meet the Central Bank of Ireland’s gold standard regulatory expectations.”
This new license builds on a strong regulatory foundation for Kraken in Europe. The exchange already holds a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license secured earlier this year and obtained an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in 2023. It is also registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in key EU jurisdictions including France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Kraken’s latest move establishes it as a major player in euro-denominated crypto trading. It was the first exchange to launch a BTC/EUR trading pair in 2013, and today boasts one of the most liquid platforms for European crypto markets.
With MiCA now in effect across the EU as of 2024, regulators are trying to bring consistency and legal clarity to the crypto industry. The framework sets clear rules for crypto trading and custody, stablecoins and token issuance.
But, not every crypto firm is onboard. Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, USDT, has opted out of MiCA registration. As a result, several exchanges are beginning to delist the token in Europe to remain compliant.
Kraken’s MiCA announcement comes just one week after the company moved its global headquarters to Wyoming, citing the US state’s “pro-crypto policymakers and constructive regulations.” However, with most of Kraken’s operations still rooted in the US, the company remains under the purview of evolving American legislation.
Also Read: Coinbase Aids US officials in Seizing $225M in ‘Stolen’ Crypto: Reports
