What does Bitvavo’s MiCAR licence from the AFM mean for me? – Help Center

Summary
Bitvavo has received a MiCAR licence from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) for its EU platform. This article explains what this licence means, how it affects our European operations, and clarifies that Bitvavo's UK services are separately regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Bitvavo is licensed under MiCAR

Bitvavo B.V. is officially licensed as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) for its European operations. This licence is granted by the AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) and confirms that Bitvavo meets the MiCAR requirements for crypto-asset services within the European Union (EU).

Under this licence, Bitvavo offers three regulated services on its EU platform:

Custody and administration of crypto-assets – Safely storing crypto-assets for users.
Operation of a trading platform – Providing a marketplace to buy and sell crypto.
Transfer services of crypto-assets – Sending crypto-assets on behalf of users.

What does this licence mean for you?

As a UK user, your services are provided by Bitvavo's UK entity, which is registered and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). While the MiCAR licence applies specifically to our EU platform, the regulatory approval demonstrates the high standards of compliance, security, and governance maintained across the entire Bitvavo group.

Here is what the regulatory landscape means for you:

Bitvavo's UK operations are fully regulated by the FCA, ensuring local consumer protection and oversight.
The MiCAR licence confirms that Bitvavo's EU operations meet strict European standards, reinforcing our group-wide commitment to security.
You can trade with confidence, knowing you are using a platform that prioritises regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions.
Increased liquidity from our expanded European operations helps support better pricing and execution for UK users.

Tip: While EU users are protected under MiCAR, UK users benefit from the dedicated oversight and regulations of the FCA.

What does this licence mean for Bitvavo?

Bitvavo is the market leader in the Netherlands, with its headquarters located in Amsterdam. The MiCAR licence marks an important step for Bitvavo’s growth across Europe. Here's what it means:

Bitvavo can now offer crypto-asset services across EU countries under one licence.
This creates a level playing field for crypto companies in Europe and promotes fair competition.
It supports Bitvavo’s mission to expand its services and offer cross-border trading opportunities within the EU.
With access to a broader European market, Bitvavo can increase liquidity on the platform — leading to tighter spreads, better prices, and an overall improved trading experience for all users.

Tip: More users and more markets often mean better prices, more trading volume, and better order execution for you.

What safety measures come with MiCAR?

MiCAR introduces new safeguards to make European crypto markets safer. For our EU platform, this licence means:

Bitvavo must implement stricter security, risk, and operational controls.
There are more protections in place to help ensure fair trading, even in less active markets.
Bitvavo must regularly report to and be audited by the AFM, increasing transparency.

Note: Even with regulation in place, crypto-assets remain high-risk products. Always do your own research and only invest what you can afford to lose.

FAQ

What is MiCAR?

MiCAR stands for Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. It is an EU-wide regulation that sets rules for crypto companies and aims to improve user protection, transparency, and stability in the European crypto market.

What is the AFM?

The AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) is the financial markets supervisor in the Netherlands. Under MiCAR, the AFM is responsible for supervising Bitvavo's EU operations. Bitvavo's UK operations are supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Can Bitvavo now operate in all of the EU?

Yes. Thanks to the MiCAR licence, Bitvavo can offer its crypto services throughout the EU. Please note that this applies to the EU platform; UK users are served under Bitvavo's UK entity, which is regulated by the FCA.

How does this make Bitvavo more secure?

Bitvavo must meet high security and governance standards across all jurisdictions. The AFM supervises our EU services, while the FCA supervises our UK services, ensuring that users are treated fairly and risks are properly managed.