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

Summary
Bitvavo has received a MiCAR license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). This article explains what this license means for you as a user, what services are covered under it, and how it allows Bitvavo to grow across Europe in a secure and regulated way.

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). This license is granted by the AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) and confirms that Bitvavo meets the MiCAR requirements for crypto-asset services.

Under this license, Bitvavo is allowed to offer three regulated services:

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 license mean for you?

As a user, you benefit from higher protection and stronger oversight. Here's what it means for you:

Bitvavo is now under conduct supervision by the AFM, the Dutch financial markets regulator.
The license proves Bitvavo meets strict MiCAR compliance standards across areas like transparency, conflict of interest, security, and governance.
You can store and trade crypto-assets with more confidence, knowing that Bitvavo operates under a fully regulated European framework.
You use a regulated trading platform with increased safeguards to promote fair and secure trading, even in lower liquidity markets.

Tip: Using a licensed platform like Bitvavo means your crypto is managed according to European rules designed to protect users like you.

What does this license mean for Bitvavo?

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

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

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's a new EU-wide regulation that sets rules for crypto companies and aims to improve user protection, transparency, and stability in the crypto market.

What is the AFM?

The AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) is the financial markets supervisor in the Netherlands. Under MiCAR, the AFM is primarily responsible for supervising crypto providers like Bitvavo.

Can Bitvavo now operate in all of EU?

Yes. Thanks to the MiCAR license, Bitvavo can now offer its crypto services throughout the EU without needing a separate license in every country.

How does this make Bitvavo more secure?

Bitvavo must meet high security and governance standards. The AFM will also supervise how Bitvavo operates to make sure users are treated fairly and risks are properly managed.