Coinbase became the first crypto discuss earn A mica license, Don It’s legal access offer services through the European Union.
The license was issued by the Luxembourg financial regulator and open The door to operate in the 27 EU nations, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
As part of this decision, Coinbase will move its Ireland EU operations base in Luxembourg.
Why Luxembourg won
According to European Coinbase leaders, Luxembourg stood out from its established blockchain laws and to be a more familiar regulator with cryptographic space. While Ireland housed previous EU coinbase operations, it has not yet adopted specific legislation for crypto. On the other hand, Luxembourg already has several laws on blockchain, which gives it a practical advantage when the rules of the mica come into force in early 2026.
Secure mica license
It was great to meet the Prime Minister of Luxembourg @LucfriedenThe Crown Prince, and the very welcoming ministers when we announce the reception of our CSSF Mica license.
It is time to pass the adoption of cryptography in Europe at the upper level. pic.twitter.com/m2r8pry4qx
– Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) June 20, 2025
Daniel Seifert, regional director general of Coinbase, said that Luxembourg was better prepared and offered a clearer legal environment. This combination helped make the decision simple.
What mica really means for crypto
Mica, or markets in the regulation of cryptocurrencies, is the EU scanning frame for digital assets. It replaces the patchwork of local cryptography rules with a single coherent standard for licenses, compliance and investors’ protections through the block.
For Coinbase, securing a mica license means that exchange can offer trading, guard and merchant services having to ask licenses in each individual country. Other major exchanges as Okx, crypto.com and Bybit also have acquired Mica License, but Coinbase is the first major actor in the United States to go through this double.
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Why is it important for Coinbase users in Europe
For European users, this means that Coinbase can now fully evolve its suite of products across the continent. This includes a 24 -hour regulation USDC for merchants and more regional integration in the coming months. It also positions Coinbase to direct regulatory compliance at a time when some competitors still operate in legal gray areas.
Investors also seemed to love the move. Coinbase actions increased by more than 3% after the announcement, reflecting growing confidence in the international exchange strategy.
Greater change in regulation through the EU
Luxembourg is not the only country that flows to concede to cryptography companies. Malta, for example, has already delivered Mica licenses to Gemini, OKX and Crypto.com. This regional competition has raised concerns among certain EU regulators, which fear that lighter jurisdictions could create an uneven application.
However, the objective through the EU is build a uniform regulatory environment which avoid regulatory arbitration during encouraging innovation. Mica is supposed to be this solution.
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What comes then
Coinbase must now constitute its local team in Luxembourg, manage its license obligations and ensure a smooth transition of its Irish base. He also faces competition from other major players, both in the United States and elsewhere, who are continuing their own mica strategies.
Meanwhile, EU regulators look In close collaboration to ensure that all approved platforms maintain high compliance standards. As the cryptography industry matures, get THE balance between innovation and responsibility will be key.
The point to take away
The Coinbase license is a great victory, not only for the company, but for the wider thrust towards the cryptography markets regulated in Europe. It marks a passage from the regulatory ambiguity to a structured system based on rules. That the others follow the same path or let themselves be left behind go to That can adapt fast Enough to this new regulatory reality.
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Main to remember
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Coinbase has become the first exchange based in the United States to secure a mica license, granting access to the 27 EU nations plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
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The license was issued by the Luxembourg regulator, which prompted Coinbase to move its European center from Ireland to Luxembourg.
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Mica provides a regulatory framework for unified cryptography through the EU, eliminating the need for country licenses by country.
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Coinbase users in Europe will benefit from broader services, including a USDC 24/7 colony and enlarged merchant tools.
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Coinbase approval signals increasing regulatory alignment between the United States and the EU as crypto matures in a global regulated market.
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