Rebecca Cruz Blockchain.com secures MiCA license from Malta’s regulator, positioning itself for European expansion under new leadership. The move strengthens compliance and sets a benchmark for crypto platforms entering the EU market.
Blockchain.com secures MiCA license as Malta leads EU crypto regulation clarity
Blockchain.com has achieved a pivotal regulatory milestone after securing a Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation license from Malta’s Financial Services Authority. The approval marks a strategic leap for the long-standing crypto platform, enabling it to expand regulated services across the European Economic Area. The move aligns with the company’s broader mission to consolidate its operations under a unified European framework while maintaining strong compliance standards.
The license grants Blockchain.com the authority to provide custody and wallet services across 30 countries in the region. Alongside its retail offerings, the platform is preparing to introduce institutional products such as treasury management, signaling a deeper integration with Europe’s fast-evolving financial landscape.
Peter Smith, co-founder and CEO of Blockchain.com, emphasized that Malta’s structured and transparent approach to digital asset regulation has made it a natural base for the company’s continental operations. His remarks underscore the growing perception of Malta as a leading jurisdiction for crypto businesses seeking regulatory clarity under MiCA.
Malta’s clarity drives Blockchain.com’s European ambitions
The timing of Blockchain.com’s MiCA license coincides with growing debates among EU member states about how the regulation should be implemented across borders. Before MiCA came into effect, Blockchain.com operated within a fragmented framework, with compliance requirements differing across each jurisdiction. This new approval provides a unified standard, streamlining its European business strategy.
To strengthen its regional footprint, Blockchain.com has appointed Fiorentina D’Amore as senior director of EU business operations and CEO of Blockchain.com Malta. D’Amore previously chaired the Financial Institutions Malta Association, an organization representing licensed financial firms and working closely with both Maltese and European regulators. Her appointment reflects Blockchain.com’s intent to blend innovation with strong governance.
Drawing from her experience at established fintech names like Bitpanda and eToro, D’Amore aims to expand the company’s institutional services while enhancing its operational compliance across Europe. She highlighted that the MiCA approval is more than just a license it represents a commitment to balance growth with responsible innovation in the digital asset ecosystem.
Malta’s MiCA strategy stands apart in European regulation
Malta has become a focal point in Europe’s crypto oversight discussions, attracting both attention and scrutiny for its early and proactive adoption of MiCA. While some EU states are still fine-tuning their regulatory interpretations, Malta has positioned itself as a front-runner in licensing crypto businesses under clear and efficient standards.
The European Securities and Markets Authority recently examined Malta’s authorization process but later confirmed that there were no significant risks to its framework. The Maltese regulator reaffirmed that its approach aligns with MiCA’s objectives while promoting competitiveness in the digital assets market.
Unlike France, which has pushed for centralized EU supervision of crypto providers, Malta has maintained that national regulators should continue managing oversight during MiCA’s initial rollout. The Maltese Financial Services Authority noted that MiCA has been active for less than a year, and additional layers of oversight could stifle innovation and slow market development.
This stance has positioned Malta as an attractive jurisdiction for firms like Blockchain.com that prioritize regulatory stability and operational efficiency. It has also reinforced the island nation’s role as a launchpad for Europe’s next phase of crypto integration.
Blockchain.com’s compliance-first strategy signals a new era for European crypto firms
By securing its MiCA license, Blockchain.com joins a growing list of established crypto entities aligning with Europe’s new regulatory reality. The company’s decision to base its operations in Malta underscores the strategic importance of compliance and local expertise in navigating MiCA’s framework.
As European regulators refine their approach to digital assets, Blockchain.com’s structured expansion could serve as a model for other global crypto players. The company’s leadership transition and its focus on institutional products also indicate that the platform is moving toward maturity in a market that increasingly values trust and transparency.
With MiCA setting the tone for digital asset governance across Europe, Blockchain.com’s regulatory milestone is more than a corporate achievement it is a sign that the crypto industry is evolving into a fully recognized component of the continent’s financial system.
Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards.
