Licensed Crypto Exchanges in Europe

Top Licensed Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Europe

Lawyers at Regulated United Europe have conducted a comprehensive analysis, bringing to your attention the most popular licensed cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe. This guide highlights exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and more, providing key details about their licenses, daily traffic, and activity descriptions.

Binance: A Leading Licensed Cryptocurrency Exchange in Europe

Binance License in Europe

It operates under licenses in a host of European countries, including Lithuania, and is thus allowed to operate lawful crypto services across the continent.

Overview of Binance’s Activity

Arguably, Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume. The exchange has listed support for over 1,600 cryptocurrencies across its spot markets, derivatives, and DeFi. In relation to the aforementioned, Binance also offers four main trading options: Spot, Margin, Futures, and P2P. Most of the volume emanating from Binance pertains to Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures.

Binance History and Growth

Binance was founded in 2017 and was fast to gain popularity. Under the leadership of CEO Changpeng Zhao, it turned into an international blockchain powerhouse. The platform has initially been launched through a very successful ICO, raising about $15 million with over 20,000 users in its first days. By 2018, demand for the platform was so high that it had to sometimes freeze new user registrations. Currently, Binance has over 180 territories in operation, with employees numbering over 1,000 globally.

Coinbase: Regulated Cryptocurrency Exchange for U.S. and Europe

Coinbase’s European Licenses

It does have licenses in several European jurisdictions: UK, Germany, and Ireland. Actually, these licenses will give Coinbase the opportunity to offer users in Europe secure and regulated services.

Coinbase Business and Services Provided

Coinbase is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S., and it has since built out substantial operations worldwide. It offers a variety of coins, markets, and services – most recently a new NFT marketplace and derivatives trading. The firm is highly focused on ease of use and on regulatory compliance, boasting a New York State banking license in addition to European licenses.

A Brief History of Coinbase

Founded by Brian Armstrong back in 2012, within a short period, Coinbase started to play a leading role in the cryptocurrency market. Early adoption of Bitcoin and further strategic investments contributed to its rapid growth. In 2020, success allowed going straight to Nasdaq listing for the valuation of $100 billion. Nowadays, millions of users use Coinbase as a venue where they safely trade and store digital assets.

Crypto.com: Fast-Growing Crypto Exchange with Global Reach

Licensing Crypto.com in Europe

Crypto.com is licensed to operate in the United States, Europe, and several other jurisdictions. It has European licenses that have so far enabled the company to serve a wide clientele base across the continent with varied cryptocurrency trading options.

Overview of Crypto.com Services

It enables various crypto-related activities on its platform, including trading, lending, and staking. It currently supports more than 169 cryptocurrencies and 349 trading pairs. The exchange has been easy to use, especially the mobile application, and it has a set of products that also comprise Crypto.com Visa Card, DeFi Wallet, and NFT marketplace.

History and Development of Crypto.com

It was founded as Monaco in 2016 and rebranded to Crypto.com in 2018. The platform is at rapid scale, serving over 10 million customers around the world. It most definitely made a statement in the market with the naming rights acquisition for the former Staples Center facility in Los Angeles. It also continues to innovate, offering a wide array of DeFi services, ease of use on both mobile and desktop.

Huobi: Leading Exchange, Global Reach

Licenses Held by Huobi and Presence in Other Countries

Huobi is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in the year 2013 to serve users globally, though under different licenses in jurisdictions such as Hong Kong. It has since expanded its services to users across Europe, Asia, and even farther, with great emphasis on observing local laws. A variety of trading services Huobi offers include:
Huobi also facilitates a wide range of trading options, including but not limited to the following: spot trading, margin trading, futures, and staking. There are more than 400 cryptocurrencies that can be traded on this platform, giving users a wide field of action for different trading strategies and asset diversification.

License in Europe

Gibraltar

Lithuania

A Brief History of Huobi

The Huobi exchange was born in China, initially as a Bitcoin trading platform. Since then, Huobi grew into one of the largest exchanges in the world, listing more cryptocurrencies and expanding into new markets. In that direction, Huobi has earned itself a reputation as one of the more trustworthy exchanges through being attentive to security and regulatory compliance.

Blockchain.com: The All-Encompassing Crypto Ecosystem

Licensing and Regulatory Compliance of Blockchain.com

Blockchain.com has several licenses, including Lithuania and the US. The above licensing structure provides a safe environment to traders all over the world.

Services and features that are included but not limited to, on Blockchain.com, include the crypto exchange, wallet service, earning products, and even a blockchain explorer. It supports upwards of more than 40 cryptocurrencies on its platform, thereby granting ease for its users to trade, store, and manage their digital assets with much ease.

How It Evolved: Blockchain.com

Blockchain.com is among the earliest major players in the cryptocurrency space, founded in 2011. What started as a wallet service expanded into trading and other financial services, with its commitment to security and user privacy tucking millions of users worldwide into its pocket.

Kraken: A Reputed Exchange with High European Presence

Licenciamento Europeu e Conformidade da Kraken

Kraken holds licenses in various European states, such as Germany and Ireland, making it extremely trustworthy for European users. These licenses serve to make the exchange compliant with whatever financial regulations set by the region to ensure a secure environment while trading.

License in Europe

UK
Lithuania

Services Offered by Kraken

Kraken has built up a reputation for great security and a wide range of trading options, from spot to margin trading, futures, and staking. It supports more than 185 cryptocurrencies and some advanced features such as OTC trading and DeFi services, making this exchange suitable for both newbies and pros.

Overview of Kraken’s History

Kraken is among the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges, founded in 2011 by Jesse Powell. The platform has favored a policy of transparency and the security of its users, which has made it very popular among traders. It was one of the very first exchanges to implement regular audits in the form of proof-of-reserves for user-fund safety. In this respect, Kraken has managed to assure its position among the leading global exchanges with its European expansion and focus on regulatory compliance.

Licence in Europe

UK
Ireland

Company activity description

Gemini: Founded in 2013 by the Winklevoss brothers, Gemini is a US-regulated crypto exchange and one that heavily relies on its image to promote regulatory compliance. It also owns NFT marketplace Nifty Gateway. The company raised $400 million from Morgan Creek Digital back in November 2021 at a $7.1 billion valuation. Turnover of the exchange is in the middle of the ranking, though the number of coins and markets is slightly below average.

Company History

Gemini is a digital currency exchange that allows customers to buy and sell digital assets and store them. It is a New York State Financial Services NYDFS trust company that was founded in the year 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winkler.

According to a report from CNBC in June 2016, Gemini became the world’s first licensed Ethereum. In May of 2018, it was announced that Gemini was the world’s first licensed Zcash exchange. Currently, the company is licensed in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Every single user from a location can trade between cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies openly against each other. The transfer of dollars to users’ bank accounts and vice-versa is possible.

The twins allowed the purchasing and storage of the bitcoins through an advanced private key system and password protected systems. Only a small percent of the total amount of bitcoins on stock exchange are kept online, such that in case there is a hacking the loss can be minimal.

Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss announced Gemini in June 2013, and the firm was launched on October 25th, 2015. Twins then proceeded to add to financial services they provided, some of which include FIX and API support. On May 5, 2016, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that Gemini was approved as the first licensed Ethereum exchange based in the United States. In the year 2016, the twins announced that they were going to allow users to withdraw Ethereum Classic ETC. The effect had been done on the hard fork of Ethereum after some changes in code.

Later, in October 2017, Gemini said that it was going to allow its registered customers to withdraw Bitcoin Cash from the stock exchange. However, it was on condition that one must have had an account balance on the stock exchange before August 2017 Bitcoin hard fork.

The Winklevoss Twins went on record to say the first order of business in 2018 would be to add in Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin.

In March of 2018, the Twins added a number of partnerships and products to their portfolio and network. He announced a partnership with Caspian – a fully functional cryptocurrency trading and risk management platform for institutional and sophisticated investors.

Reuters, in April 2018, said the Gemini was set to deploy NASDAQ SMARTS technology in mapping the transactions with the aim of weeding fraud and price manipulation from its stock exchanges.

In May 14, 2018, the New York City Financial Services Department announced that it had approved the Twins’ proposal on their Zcash (ZEC) platform. NYDFS said that the move was “a continuation of New York City’s long-standing commitment to innovation and market leadership.” In the same press release, Gemini CEO Tyler Winklevoss commented that the Twins are “proud to be the first licensed exchange to offer trading and storage services to Zcash.”

Bloomberg News, in a report dated September 10, 2018, said that NYDFS had given Gemini the green light to release a new product, Gemini Dollar, aka GUSD, and would subsequently start trading coins on the same day. Twins described the product as one stable supporting 1:1 against the US dollar.

On October 3, 2018, Twins was said to have obtained digital asset insurance for the tokens and coins held on his stock exchange. The insurance agreement, by Aon-a London public risk consulting company and the next consortium of global underwriters, was said to have been made by Bloomberg Markets.

In May 2020, the company announced it was partnering with Samsung to allow users of Samsung smartphones to link their Samsung Blockchain wallets with their Gemini accounts in order to view balances and transfer crypto data.

NFT

In November 2019, Gemini Trust Co. acquired Nifty Gateway for an undisclosed sum of money. Nifty Gateway is a marketplace for NFTs. The ambition of this NFT market is to act as a custodian for property documents, passports, merchandise, collections, video game characters, movies, music, and all varieties of event tickets among other assets.

License in Europe

Luxemburg

Company activity description

bitFlyer: The largest crypto exchanges in Japan, Bitflyer was regulated in Japan, the US, and Europe. It maintains a limited supply to Bitcoin only – and specifically to Bitcoin vs Yen BTC/JPY, which is available for a fee of 15 basis points to the maker or buyer.

Company History

BitFlyer Exchange is an online site where cryptocurrency can be traded. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash are traded here. US dollar and Japanese yen are represented as the Fiat. There are two trading options: through a simplified TradingView terminal and a professional Lightning Exchange solution – company’s own development. Only the simplified trading terminal has a mobile version. There are no investment solutions available on the exchange; only the referral program is from the options of passive income. The company develops its own blockchain solutions for business. CAM audit fraud protection, 80% of users’ funds stored cold.

Japanese cryptocurrency exchange bitFlyer announced its entry into the European market, Business Wire reports. Licensed as a payment operator to operate in the EU, it became the world’s first cryptocurrency exchange, officially regulated simultaneously in Japan, the US (branch was opened last November) and Europe. First of all, traders will be provided only with the BTC/EUR trading pair, while developers plan to add support for more cryptocurrencies such as Litecoin, Ethereum Classic, and Bitcoin Cash over time. “When I founded BitFlyer in 2014, I did so with much ambition and conviction that getting regulatory approval is crucial for the long-run success of Bitcoin as well as of virtual currency industry. I am proud that we are now the most promising cryptocurrency company in the world,” said Yuzo Kano, founder and CEO of BitFlyer.

According to bitFlyer, in 2017, more than $250 billion worth of cryptocurrency transactions were concluded on platforms it controls. In Japan, bitFlyer is the largest bitcoin exchange, raising more than 4.1 billion yen, or $36 million, in venture funding. After all, Europe is the big market for bitFlyer: the monthly global turnover of the BTC/EUR pair counts 10 billion euros because the BTC/EUR is the world’s third-largest bitcoin market after the Japanese yen and the US dollar.

Though the bitFlyer exchange has been rather new in Europe and the US up until now, it has been among the most popular and visited cryptocurrency platforms not only in Japan but also in the Far East in general for a long period of time.

Third, if you had taken a look at sites that rank cryptocurrency exchanges by volume, you could notice how this exchange is always within the top and usually occupies #1.

That is why bitFlyer became one of the very first cryptocurrency exchanges in Japan that got an official license from the Japanese Financial Services Agency – FSA.

Furthermore, it has close to 1 million users, which is relevant given its share in the BTC/JPY market. Bitcoin/Yen accounts for about 60% of the total BTC trading.

Biggest Crypto Exchanges

Cryptocurrency exchanges are crucial for providing liquidity, accessibility, and security of digital asset transactions. Below is a table overview of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, their key features, and market position.

Exchange	Logo	Description
Binance		Founded in 2017, Binance leads in trading volume and offers diverse services such as futures, options, and staking. Known for low fees and fast transactions, it’s a favorite among global traders.
Coinbase		Established in 2012, Coinbase is a user-friendly exchange, especially popular in the United States. It offers a simple interface, ideal for beginners, and additional services like custodial solutions.
Kraken		Founded in 2011, Kraken is known for reliability and security, attracting professional traders. It provides margin and futures trading along with advanced trading features.
Bitfinex		Since 2012, Bitfinex has been recognized for its technological innovations and wide range of trading options, including margin trading and peer-to-peer lending.
Huobi		Founded in 2013, Huobi is known for its stability and global reach. It offers a large selection of traded cryptocurrency pairs and services such as OTC trading.

Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange depends on factors like fees, features, security levels, and supported assets. Top exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken continue to innovate, providing a wide range of services for different types of traders. Staying updated with the latest developments can help users make an informed decision.

Best Crypto Exchange Europe

Cryptocurrency exchanges are vital to the digital asset ecosystem, offering platforms for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies. Europe, known for its robust regulatory framework and financial infrastructure, is home to several reputable exchanges. Below is a comparison of the top cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe, along with their key features and advantages.

Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange depends on factors like user experience, security, liquidity, and specific service requirements. Leading exchanges in Europe offer a high level of regulatory compliance, ensuring user safety. Traders should also consider user feedback and market trends when selecting an exchange.

Biggest Crypto Exchanges by Volume

Cryptocurrency exchanges facilitate trading and liquidity in the digital asset market. Trading volume is a key indicator of an exchange’s reliability and activity level. Below, we compare the largest exchanges by trading volume.

Exchanges like Binance, Coinbase Pro, Huobi, and OKEx dominate the trading volume, contributing significantly to market liquidity. When choosing an exchange, traders should also consider security, fees, and customer support alongside trading volume.

Trading Volume of Leading Crypto Exchanges

A study by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) highlighted that 10 cryptocurrency exchanges handle 90% of all transactions, with Binance leading the market.

These exchanges play a crucial role in shaping the global cryptocurrency market. Binance, UPbit, and OKX together hold over 60% of the market share, showcasing their influence in the industry.

Best Country to Open a Cryptocurrency Exchange

The ideal country in which to place a cryptocurrency exchange addresses the regulatory environment, economic stability, tax policy, and skill resources. Lithuania and the Czech Republic have held the top position in rankings over the last couple of years in terms of developing cryptocurrency businesses owing to friendly regulations and innovative ecosystems. Read on to understand why they are ideal destinations to launch a crypto exchange in Europe.

Lithuania: Progressive Regulation and Technological Innovation

In less than a decade, Lithuania is racing to the top of the most attractive blockchain technology hubs in Europe. This Baltic country has become a governmental haven for the cryptocurrency industry due to various initiatives undertaken by the administration to make Lithuania an attractive destination for the establishment of crypto exchange startups, including but not limited to the following:

Transparent Regulation: The Lithuanian government has issued clear regulations concerning cryptocurrencies. Because of this, companies know better what to expect from them in a legal way, while compliance risks are reduced.

Tax Incentives: On the tax level, the country maintains a friendly policy toward crypto and reasonable taxation with regard to profit derived from cryptocurrency transactions.

Highly Advanced Economy in Technology: Lithuania has a wide technological advancement that may provide an enabling environment where the pace of technological and financial innovation goes hand in hand in the crypto space.

Czech Republic: Stability and Openness to Innovation

The Czech Republic is another ideal destination for crypto exchanges in Europe, offering a host of advantages:

Liberal Regulation: The Czech Republic is well-known for its liberal approach to the world of cryptocurrencies and provides a very stable and transparent environment for regulation relevant to crypto businesses.

Economic Stability: The Czech Republic being part of the European Union guarantees political and economic stability, which acts as a secure option for international investments in the crypto market.

Support for Innovation: The government of the Republic of Czech creates an excellent environment for innovation in blockchain and new technologies, hence offering really fertile ground for virtual currency exchanges.

Advantages of Establishing Crypto Exchange in Lithuania and the Czech Republic

Strong points related to establishing a crypto exchange in Lithuania or the Czech Republic:

• The strategic position in Europe includes the desired countries that allow easy access to the European market; this will ease the burden of reaching a huge customer base for a crypto trading company.
• Progressive steps in technologies: Lithuania, together with the Czech Republic, is among the leading in the pace of digitalization and blockchain technology; hence, it gives a push for more innovation and efficiency within crypto companies.
• Investment Climate: Their friendly policy makes the atmosphere very welcoming for foreign investment in the cryptocurrency market, hence a substantial backbone for growth.

Why Lithuania and the Czech Republic Are the Best for Crypto Exchanges

Among these, Lithuania and the Czech Republic strike the most invigorating balance between favorable regulations, economic stability, and the culture of innovation for those entrepreneurs ready to establish a cryptocurrency exchange in Europe. In fact, it even turns both countries into a strategic choice for companies that have great ambitions of gaining success in the rapidly developing world of digital finance. The new policy and regulatory direction recently taken up by Lithuania and the Czech Republic has proved that both countries are very open to crypto and enable blockchain technology.

If you are launching a crypto project and would like to implement it in the most favourable jurisdiction, contact finTech lawyers from Regulated United Europe for a free initial consultation.