BitPay has received approval from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets to operate as a crypto-asset service provider under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation. The licensing marks a significant milestone for the payments company as it prepares to expand its stablecoin payment services across the region.
The MiCA framework, which establishes a comprehensive regulatory regime for crypto assets across the EU, provides a standardized set of rules for companies operating in the bloc. BitPay’s Dutch license allows it to offer services throughout the EU under the single authorization, streamlining its European expansion plans.
The company said the license will enable it to focus on expanding stablecoin-based payment solutions, which allow merchants and consumers to transact using dollar-pegged digital currencies. Stablecoins have become increasingly popular for payments due to their low transaction costs and fast settlement times compared to traditional banking rails.
BitPay’s move reflects a broader trend of crypto payment companies seeking regulatory clarity in Europe. The MiCA framework, which came into full effect in 2025, has created a more predictable operating environment for crypto businesses, encouraging companies to invest in compliant offerings.
The Netherlands has emerged as a favored jurisdiction for crypto firms seeking MiCA authorization, with several major companies choosing Dutch regulators as their primary point of entry into the European market. The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets has developed a reputation for thorough but constructive oversight of digital asset businesses.
For BitPay, which has been operating in the crypto payments space since 2011, the MiCA license represents an opportunity to compete more effectively with traditional payment processors in the European market. The company plans to leverage its existing merchant network and integrate stablecoin payments into a wider range of business applications.
The expansion comes as stablecoin usage continues to grow globally, with regulators in multiple jurisdictions working to establish clear frameworks for these digital assets. The MiCA regulation includes specific provisions for stablecoins, requiring issuers to maintain adequate reserves and meet transparency standards.
This article was adapted from Cointelegraph. Read the original here.
