MoonPay Gets MiCA Approval, Plans Big EU Expansion in 2025

MoonPay has achieved a significant milestone by securing MiCA approval, granting it the ability to operate seamlessly across the European Union under a unified regulatory framework. Issued by the Dutch financial regulator AFM, this license positions MoonPay among the first companies to gain MiCA compliance, marking a major step for the integration of cryptocurrency into the broader financial system.

The Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation officially takes effect today, offering a standardized approach for crypto-related services across EU member states. While some major players like Binance and Tether have faced challenges with MiCA’s strict compliance requirements, MoonPay views it as a strategic opportunity for growth. The platform will now expand its fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat services throughout Europe without regulatory friction.

CEO Ivan Soto-Wright described the achievement as more than just a license, calling it a “pivotal step in solidifying the crypto industry’s role in the global economy.” He emphasized MoonPay’s commitment to fostering collaboration with regulators, businesses, and users to advance the adoption of digital assets.

This approval comes amid a transformative period for the crypto sector in Europe. With exchanges already being directed to delist Tether’s USDT, platforms like Coinbase are preparing for significant operational changes. However, MoonPay is now well-positioned to navigate these shifts smoothly without requiring additional regulatory investments, such as opening new offices for compliance purposes.

In addition to securing MiCA approval, MoonPay has been pursuing strategic growth initiatives. Reports suggest that the company has been in discussions to acquire Helio, a DeFi payments service, for $150 million. This acquisition aligns with MoonPay’s broader ambition to strengthen its foothold in the digital payments ecosystem.

The company’s recent partnerships have also contributed to its upward momentum. In October, MoonPay announced a major collaboration with Ripple, which has already shown positive results following the approval of RLUSD in the US. November further reinforced MoonPay's growth trajectory as it surpassed its 2023 trading volume records.

Looking ahead, MoonPay plans to capitalize on MiCA’s regulatory clarity to scale its operations across Europe. By aligning with the new legal framework, the company aims to lead the region in digital asset services, setting a benchmark for compliance and innovation in the crypto payments space.

For MoonPay, this milestone represents not just regulatory success but a gateway to becoming a dominant force in one of the world’s largest regulated crypto markets.