MiCA/CASP licenses reached all borders

The European crypto landscape is entering a new era with the introduction of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and CASP (Crypto-Asset Service Provider) licensing frameworks. These regulations establish harmonised licensing and compliance standards across the EU, ensuring that digital asset services operate transparently and securely in line with investor protection requirements. For companies looking to do business in Europe, obtaining a MiCA or CASP licence is a regulatory requirement and a strategic move.

Regulated United Europe (RUE) has established itself as a leading partner for businesses navigating these frameworks. Leveraging its in-depth regulatory expertise, operational know-how and cross-border legal partnerships, RUE has successfully guided numerous clients through the complex MiCA/CASP licensing processes. The firm’s approach combines strategic jurisdictional selection, meticulous compliance preparation and hands-on engagement with regulators, enabling clients to obtain licences efficiently while building a solid foundation for sustainable operations.

Understanding MiCA and CASP Licensing

The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) represents a transformative shift in the regulation of digital assets. For the first time, MiCA establishes a comprehensive, harmonised framework for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) across all EU member states. By setting clear rules for licensing, governance, risk management, AML/KYC compliance and investor protection, MiCA aims to create a transparent and secure environment for crypto services, fostering innovation and growth in the digital asset sector.

CASP licensing under MiCA is intended for companies providing services such as crypto exchange, custody of crypto assets, trading platforms, staking or token issuance. These licences are mandatory for entities that wish to operate legally within the European Economic Area (EEA). Obtaining a MiCA licence requires more than meeting basic regulatory criteria: companies must also demonstrate financial stability, operational readiness, robust risk management procedures and strong internal governance. Regulators carefully assess each applicant’s ability to maintain security, transparency, and compliance on an ongoing basis, making the licensing process both rigorous and comprehensive.

The significance of MiCA extends beyond compliance. A MiCA licence signals credibility and trustworthiness to investors, banks and partners. It also gives companies a strategic advantage by enabling them to offer services across multiple EU countries without requiring separate licences in each jurisdiction. This harmonised approach reduces regulatory friction, encourages cross-border operations and supports the sustainable growth of companies entering the European market.

RUE has been at the forefront of helping clients navigate MiCA and CASP licensing. By combining in-depth regulatory knowledge, practical operational guidance and proactive engagement with EU regulators, RUE ensures that companies are not only approved, but also fully prepared for long-term success in Europe’s increasingly regulated crypto ecosystem. Through careful planning and bespoke advice, RUE helps clients to align their operational, technological and governance structures with MiCA’s evolving requirements, thereby minimising risk and maximising opportunities.

RUE’s proven expertise in CASP licensing

Successfully obtaining a MiCA or CASP licence requires more than an understanding of the regulatory text; it demands a comprehensive, hands-on approach that integrates legal expertise, operational readiness and strategic planning. RUE has established itself as a leading partner for companies navigating this complex landscape, providing guidance at every stage of the licensing process.

RUE’s approach begins with a thorough assessment of the client’s business model, including the types of crypto services offered, the scale of operations and any cross-border ambitions. This step is critical because MiCA licensing requirements vary depending on service scope and risk exposure. By evaluating operational and legal structures at the outset, RUE helps clients to select the most suitable EU jurisdiction for licensing, balancing efficiency, market access and compliance obligations.

Once a jurisdiction has been selected, RUE provides comprehensive support in preparing all the necessary documentation, including governance structures, corporate policies, AML/KYC frameworks, and risk management procedures. The firm’s specialists collaborate closely with clients to guarantee the robustness and regulatory readiness of their internal systems, including transaction monitoring, secure custody solutions, and reporting processes. This attention to operational detail sets RUE’s clients apart, demonstrating to regulators that they are capable of maintaining continuous compliance.

RUE’s track record includes notable success stories that highlight its expertise. One example is a Singapore-based crypto payment platform seeking to expand into the EU. RUE provided guidance on jurisdictional analysis, operational design and regulatory engagement, enabling the client to obtain a MiCA licence in Lithuania within three months. With this licence, the platform was able to launch services across the EEA, enhancing its market credibility and attracting strategic partnerships with banks and institutional investors.

RUE has also facilitated dual licensing for multinational exchanges, including Hong Kong-based platforms seeking approval in Estonia and Lithuania. By coordinating cross-border compliance, RUE ensured that governance structures, operational procedures and regulatory filings were fully aligned with the requirements of both countries. This approach enables clients to operate seamlessly across multiple European markets, maximising reach while minimising regulatory risk.

Since July 2025, RUE has submitted over 50 MiCA licence applications on behalf of clients across the EU, a number which continues to grow. This milestone reflects the firm’s ongoing leadership and trustworthiness in navigating the evolving regulatory environment, helping both new entrants and established firms to secure a compliant foothold in Europe’s digital asset market.

What sets RUE apart is its holistic approach. The firm helps clients not only to obtain licences, but also to maintain continuous compliance. This includes training management teams, conducting internal audits, implementing advanced compliance technologies and anticipating regulatory changes. By combining legal expertise, operational guidance and technological integration, RUE transforms the MiCA licensing process from a procedural challenge into a strategic asset, positioning clients for sustained growth in Europe’s regulated crypto market.

Top EU Jurisdictions for MiCA/CASP Licences

While MiCA establishes a harmonised licensing framework across the European Union, certain countries have emerged as preferred hubs for crypto-asset service providers. These jurisdictions offer regulatory efficiency, clear guidance and supportive environments, enabling companies to obtain licences more predictably and position themselves strategically for EU-wide operations. RUE has extensive experience of guiding clients through these jurisdictions and tailoring its approach to the unique requirements of each country.

Lithuania: A Leading Hub for MiCA Licensing

Lithuania has rapidly become a primary destination for MiCA licences thanks to its transparent procedures, responsive regulators and robust financial infrastructure. Between 2021 and 2024, RUE helped clients secure over 150 MiCA/CASP licences in Lithuania, establishing it as the firm’s most active jurisdiction for European expansion.

Clients benefit from Lithuania’s clear regulatory framework and the expert guidance provided by RUE. For instance, ChainUp/CoinUp used RUE’s services to implement secure custody solutions, governance protocols, and AML/KYC compliance systems. This resulted in a smooth licensing process, enabling the company to operate across the European Economic Area while maintaining full regulatory compliance. Other fintech start-ups and crypto payment platforms have similarly benefited by using Lithuania as a gateway to scale their services across Europe.

Estonia: Early Leadership in VASP Licensing

Estonia was one of the first European countries to offer digital asset licensing, establishing itself as a pioneer in crypto regulation. Between 2018 and 2020, RUE helped over 50 clients obtain licences in Estonia, capitalising on the country’s digital-first regulatory environment and efficient communication with the authorities.

Although MiCA now standardises licensing across the EU, Estonia remains attractive to companies that value early adoption, regulatory experience and a technologically advanced approach to compliance. RUE’s guidance has enabled clients to align their Estonian licences with the broader EU MiCA requirements, thus facilitating seamless cross-border operations.

Czech Republic: Emerging Market Leader

The Czech Republic has recently emerged as a growing hub for MiCA licences, with RUE having secured over 100 licences for clients since 2023. The country offers a balanced regulatory framework that combines clarity with flexibility, making it an appealing choice for fintech start-ups and established exchanges seeking efficient licensing.

RUE has helped clients in the Czech Republic to align their governance structures, compliance programmes and operational systems with local regulators, ensuring they are fully prepared for current licensing standards and the upcoming MiCA requirements. This enables clients to quickly enter the market and establish a reliable European footprint.

Other strategic jurisdictions: Bulgaria, Malta and Poland

These countries are becoming increasingly popular for MiCA licensing due to their strategic advantages in terms of cost-efficient expansion, regulatory credibility and market positioning. RUE has guided multiple clients through these jurisdictions, ensuring operational readiness, compliance alignment, and effective regulator engagement.

Malta, with its long-standing reputation as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, is particularly attractive to exchanges and wallet providers seeking prestige and investor confidence. Bulgaria, on the other hand, offers smaller, cost-efficient licensing options that are ideal for start-ups or niche service providers. Poland provides a growing, structured regulatory framework that supports companies wishing to establish a strong European presence through efficient compliance management.

RUE’s success stories and client achievements

RUE’s track record in MiCA/CASP licensing demonstrates its ability to transform complex regulatory challenges into tangible business opportunities. By combining legal expertise, operational guidance and strategic insight, RUE has enabled numerous clients to successfully enter European markets, establish compliant operations and scale up effectively.

One of the most notable success stories is ChainUp/CoinUp, a global provider of institutional-grade crypto solutions. Seeking to expand across Europe, ChainUp partnered with RUE to obtain a MiCA-compliant CASP licence in Lithuania. RUE guided the company through the entire licensing process, including designing robust governance frameworks, implementing AML/KYC protocols and establishing secure custody arrangements. Thanks to RUE‘s support, ChainUp obtained its licence efficiently and established a scalable European operation. This enabled the company to onboard institutional clients, increase trading volumes and attract strategic partnerships with banks and financial institutions.

Another success story involves a Singapore-based crypto payment platform that required a swift entry into the European market. RUE provided jurisdictional analysis, prepared compliance documentation and coordinated regulatory communications. Within three months, the company had received its MiCA licence in Lithuania, enabling it to launch services across the European Economic Area. This licensing achievement significantly enhanced the company’s credibility, accelerating market adoption and attracting European investors and corporate clients.

RUE has also facilitated dual-jurisdiction licensing for multinational exchanges. For instance, a crypto exchange based in Hong Kong obtained licences in both Estonia and Lithuania under RUE’s guidance. The firm harmonised governance structures, compliance protocols and reporting systems across both jurisdictions, enabling the client to operate seamlessly and maximise European market coverage. This cross-border approach highlights RUE’s ability to navigate regulatory complexity while ensuring operational efficiency and strategic growth.

Since July 2025, RUE has submitted over 50 MiCA licence applications for its clients in the EU, a figure which continues to increase. These applications cover a range of digital asset services, including exchanges, wallets, tokenisation platforms, and crypto payment providers. RUE’s clients consistently report that the firm’s hands-on, end-to-end support, including training, internal audits and ongoing compliance monitoring, is a critical factor in achieving timely approvals and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Other examples of RUE’s achievements include helping UAE-based fintech companies to obtain Lithuanian licences, enabling them to expand into European markets while implementing institutional-grade security, transaction monitoring and AML/KYC procedures. These clients have used their MiCA licences to attract international investors, strengthen operational credibility and expand services across multiple countries.

Across all success stories, certain themes emerge: RUE’s expertise ensures that clients are operationally prepared, regulator-ready and strategically positioned. The firm’s comprehensive approach transforms the licensing process from a regulatory obligation into a competitive advantage, enabling companies to enter Europe’s digital asset market with confidence and credibility.

Companies with Official MiCA Licences and Their Stories

The first wave of MiCA licences granted across the EU marks a significant milestone for regulated digital asset services, setting a precedent for transparency, investor protection and operational credibility. Several prominent companies have successfully obtained MiCA licences, enabling them to operate legally throughout the European Economic Area (EEA). These success stories demonstrate the strategic importance of licensing and the types of operations and markets that can benefit from it.

Malta, a global cryptocurrency exchange, received its MiCA licence in Malta, enabling it to provide full crypto services across all 27 EU member states. This licence underlines the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and operational transparency. Following this approval, the exchange has strengthened its reputation among institutional investors and expanded its user base across Europe, demonstrating that robust regulatory alignment can directly contribute to market growth.

Malta

The company became the first international platform to obtain a full MiCA licence in Malta, providing services including crypto trading, staking and wallet solutions throughout the EEA. The licence enhances investor confidence and establishes the company as a trusted, fully regulated crypto service provider in Europe. By complying with MiCA’s stringent governance, risk management and AML/KYC requirements, the company can now operate seamlessly across multiple EU jurisdictions.

Germany, a subsidiary of the German stock exchange, has secured a MiCA licence in Germany. This allows the firm to offer integrated crypto services, including trading and custody solutions, to institutional clients across the EU. This licence establishes the company as a trusted partner for traditional financial institutions entering the digital asset space, combining established financial expertise with regulatory-compliant crypto offerings.

Dutch and Maltese licensed firms

Several companies have also obtained MiCA licences from regulators in the Netherlands and Malta, enabling them to provide crypto services across the EU. These firms range from emerging fintech start-ups to established exchanges and wallet providers. Each has used the licensing process to build investor trust, operational credibility and a competitive advantage, thus positioning themselves strategically within Europe’s regulated crypto market.

RUE’s Role in Facilitating MiCA Licensing

Obtaining a MiCA licence is a complex endeavour that requires more than simply submitting regulatory paperwork. It involves strategic planning, operational alignment and proactive engagement with regulators. RUE has established itself as a leading partner for companies seeking to navigate this process, offering comprehensive support to transform regulatory compliance into a strategic advantage.

RUE’s role begins with a thorough evaluation of each client’s business model, operational procedures, and cross-border objectives. This initial analysis enables the firm to identify the optimal EU jurisdiction for licensing, taking into account the company’s service type, risk profile, and long-term strategy. Whether the client is a start-up, a multinational exchange or a fintech firm, RUE ensures that the chosen jurisdiction aligns with business goals while maximising regulatory efficiency.

Once the jurisdiction has been selected, RUE provides hands-on support in preparing all the necessary regulatory documentation. This includes designing governance frameworks, implementing AML/KYC policies, establishing risk management procedures and preparing operational protocols that meet MiCA requirements. RUE’s experts ensure that internal systems — from transaction monitoring to secure custody solutions — are fully compliant and operationally robust, thereby demonstrating to regulators that clients are capable of maintaining continuous oversight.

RUE also plays a critical role in engaging with regulators. The firm liaises directly with the relevant authorities to clarify requirements, submit documentation and answer questions, thereby ensuring a smooth and timely licensing process. For example, in the case of ChainUp/CoinUp, RUE collaborated with Lithuanian regulators to align governance structures, anti-money laundering (AML) procedures, and operational readiness. This resulted in the company receiving an efficient licence approval, enabling it to expand across the European Economic Area (EEA).

Since July 2025, RUE has submitted over 50 MiCA licence applications for clients across the EU, reflecting the firm’s leadership and growing expertise in the regulatory landscape. These applications span a variety of service providers, including exchanges, wallets, staking platforms and payment providers. By combining legal insight, operational guidance and technological integration, RUE ensures that each client obtains a licence and is fully prepared to operate sustainably and in compliance with EU regulations.

RUE’s approach is holistic. Beyond licensing, the firm provides ongoing compliance support, including management training, internal audits, and continuous monitoring of regulatory developments. This comprehensive model helps clients maintain long-term operational readiness, reducing risk and enabling them to leverage their MiCA licences as a competitive advantage in Europe’s evolving digital asset market.

Through this strategic, end-to-end support, RUE transforms the MiCA licensing process from a regulatory requirement into a launchpad for market credibility, investor confidence and business growth, thus consolidating its reputation as a trusted partner for companies entering the European crypto ecosystem.

RUE’s team and expertise

At the heart of RUE’s success in MiCA and CASP licensing is its highly skilled, multidisciplinary team. The firm’s workforce comprises over 30 internal and external legal experts who have in-depth knowledge of European financial regulations, corporate law, compliance and digital asset operations. This diverse expertise enables RUE to provide comprehensive licensing solutions and ongoing support to clients entering the complex European crypto market.

Internal Legal Experts

RUE’s internal team manages day-to-day client engagements, regulatory submissions, and operational compliance. They design governance frameworks, risk management procedures and AML/KYC policies that meet MiCA requirements, ensuring that clients are ready for operation and regulation. By collaborating closely with client management teams, the internal experts implement bespoke compliance workflows, conduct internal audits, and deliver training to promote sustained adherence to regulatory standards.

External Legal Advisors

RUE complements its internal team with external advisors in multiple EU jurisdictions. These advisors include local counsel and specialist law firms, enabling RUE to navigate jurisdiction-specific requirements efficiently. Leveraging this network ensures that clients’ submissions align with local and EU-wide regulations, facilitating smoother licensing processes and minimising the risk of delays or non-compliance.

Cross-border expertise

Many of RUE’s clients are multinational and require licensing in multiple EU countries simultaneously. The team’s cross-border expertise enables the harmonisation of governance, reporting and compliance protocols across jurisdictions. This has been particularly valuable for clients obtaining dual MiCA licences in countries such as Estonia and Lithuania, as it enables them to operate seamlessly across Europe while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Operational and Technological Integration

Beyond providing legal guidance, the RUE team helps clients to integrate technology solutions that support compliance and operational efficiency. These include secure custody systems, automated transaction monitoring, reporting tools and risk management platforms. By combining legal, operational and technological expertise, RUE ensures that clients are fully prepared to operate under MiCA regulations, thereby minimising risks and enhancing their credibility with regulators, investors and partners.

Strategic advisory and ongoing support

RUE’s team goes beyond licensing. They provide strategic advisory services to help clients anticipate regulatory changes, implement continuous compliance programmes and adapt operational models to evolving market conditions. This ongoing support ensures that RUE’s clients remain compliant and competitive in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

RUE‘s combination of internal and external legal experts, operational specialists, and technological advisors uniquely positions the firm to guide clients through every stage of MiCA and CASP licensing, from initial assessment to post-approval compliance. This multidisciplinary approach has been instrumental in the firm’s successful submission of over 50 licences since July 2025, as well as its broader portfolio of client engagements across Europe.

RUE’s team transforms the licensing process into a strategic asset, helping companies gain regulatory approval, achieve operational readiness, and establish long-term market credibility.

Lessons Learned from MiCA Licensing

RUE’s extensive experience of guiding clients through MiCA and CASP licensing has provided valuable insights into the factors that lead to successful regulatory approvals and sustainable operations in the EU digital asset market. These lessons highlight best practices, common challenges and strategic considerations for companies seeking MiCA licences.

Early preparation is critical.

One of the most consistent lessons is the importance of starting the licensing process early. MiCA requires comprehensive documentation, robust governance structures, AML/KYC procedures, risk management frameworks and operational readiness. Companies that prepare these elements in advance rather than reacting to regulatory requests reduce delays, avoid costly revisions, and demonstrate credibility to regulators. RUE’s clients benefit from structured timelines and project management, ensuring that every component is ready before submission.

Jurisdiction selection impacts success.

While MiCA harmonises licensing across the EU, regulatory efficiency, responsiveness to communication, and local practices differ between jurisdictions. Lithuania, Estonia, Germany and Malta have emerged as leading hubs thanks to their clear guidance and predictable review timelines. Selecting the right jurisdiction based on business model, market ambitions and operational complexity is therefore essential for a smooth licensing process. RUE’s experience shows that aligning the choice of jurisdiction with client strategy improves both the speed of approval and long-term operational flexibility.

Operational readiness is just as important as documentation.

Regulators now scrutinise not only submitted paperwork, but also the practical implementation of compliance measures. This includes transaction monitoring systems, secure custody arrangements, internal reporting and risk management tools. RUE’s approach emphasises hands-on operational readiness, ensuring that clients can demonstrate compliance in practice, not just on paper.

Proactive regulator engagement facilitates approval.

Open communication with regulators can accelerate licensing and prevent misunderstandings. RUE maintains proactive engagement with the relevant authorities by clarifying requirements, responding promptly to questions, and providing additional supporting documentation when needed. This approach reduces delays caused by back-and-forth communication and builds a positive relationship with regulators, which can be advantageous for ongoing compliance.

Continuous compliance is essential post-licensing.

Obtaining a MiCA licence is only the first step. Continuous reporting, regular audits and ongoing updates to governance and operational systems are necessary to maintain compliance. RUE’s experience shows that clients who treat licensing as an ongoing process rather than a one-time hurdle experience fewer compliance issues, increased operational stability and stronger investor confidence.

MiCA licensing enhances strategic credibility.

Beyond regulatory compliance, a MiCA licence provides a strategic advantage. Licensed companies enjoy enhanced trust from investors, partners and customers. They can expand across the EU market without requiring separate local licences and leverage their regulatory status to attract institutional clients. RUE’s clients often report that obtaining a licence directly contributes to business growth, market access and competitive positioning.

Customisation and flexibility matter.

Every client’s business model and operational structure is unique. RUE has learned that licensing strategies tailored to a client’s specific services, geographic focus, and risk profile lead to higher approval rates and smoother implementation. One-size-fits-all approaches are often inadequate in the ever-changing MiCA regulatory environment.

Companies seeking MiCA or CASP licensing can therefore approach the process with clarity, confidence, and strategic foresight by internalising these lessons. RUE’s guidance ensures that clients meet regulatory requirements and leverage the licensing process as a platform for growth, credibility and market leadership in Europe’s digital asset ecosystem.

RUE‘s journey in the European MiCA and CASP licensing landscape exemplifies the intersection of legal expertise, operational excellence, and strategic foresight. Over the years, RUE has established itself as a reliable partner for companies looking to navigate the complexities of EU crypto regulations, helping them to operate with confidence, compliance, and competitiveness across the European Economic Area.

RUE’s approach is distinguished by its holistic, hands-on methodology. From conducting comprehensive business and jurisdictional assessments, to preparing detailed regulatory documentation, and ensuring operational readiness, RUE ensures that every client is fully prepared for licensing and long-term compliance. Its team of over 30 internal and external legal experts provides unparalleled expertise and tailored guidance to meet each client’s unique operational, technological, and strategic needs.

Through its work, RUE has helped clients secure MiCA licences in key EU jurisdictions, including Lithuania, Estonia, Malta, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Notable success stories ranging from multinational exchanges such as ChainUp/CoinUp to Singaporean and UAE-based fintech platforms demonstrate how regulatory compliance can become a strategic asset, facilitating market expansion, investor confidence, and operational credibility. Since July 2025, RUE has submitted over 50 MiCA licence applications, reflecting its leadership, reliability and growing impact in the European digital asset ecosystem.

Lessons learned from these engagements highlight the critical importance of early preparation, operational readiness, strategic jurisdiction selection and proactive regulator engagement. These insights have not only enabled clients to achieve regulatory approval, but also to transform compliance into a foundation for sustainable growth, market credibility, and competitive advantage.

Ultimately, RUE’s story is one of partnership, expertise, and innovation. By guiding clients through the MiCA licensing process and preparing them for long-term success, RUE turns a regulatory requirement into a launchpad for strategic expansion across Europe. Companies that partner with RUE gain more than just compliance — they gain a trusted advisor, a strategic partner and a catalyst for growth in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets.

RUE’s commitment to excellence, in-depth regulatory knowledge and client-centred approach ensures that its partners are not only approved, but also empowered to flourish in Europe’s regulated crypto market. This sets a benchmark for legal and operational leadership in the digital asset industry.