Kraken Secures MiCA License in Ireland, Expanding Reach Across European Union

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has obtained a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the Central Bank of Ireland. This approval allows Kraken to offer regulated crypto services across all 30 member states of the European Economic Area (EEA), marking a major milestone in its European expansion.

Expanding Under a Unified Framework

The MiCA license enables Kraken to serve both retail and institutional customers throughout the EU under a single regulatory framework. This license builds on Kraken’s existing compliance efforts. The exchange already holds virtual asset service provider (VASP) registrations in Ireland, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.

“This license reflects that effort and places us in a strong position to expand our product offering, grow our institutional and retail client base and deliver secure, accessible and fully regulated crypto services to millions more people across the EU,” said Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi.

Sethi emphasized that Kraken had worked “tirelessly” to meet the high regulatory standards set by the Central Bank of Ireland. He added that trust remains the most important currency in crypto, and Kraken is committed to earning it.

Building on Past Regulatory Wins

Before securing the MiCA license, Kraken had already taken steps to deepen its regulatory presence in Europe. In 2023, it received an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license. In February 2025, it gained a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license. These regulatory milestones allowed Kraken to build a strong compliance foundation leading into MiCA.

MiCA Reshaping Crypto Regulation in the EU

The MiCA regulation, which came into effect in late 2024, was introduced to bring regulatory clarity and consistency to the EU crypto market. It sets rules for crypto asset issuance, trading, and custody, and aims to protect investors while fostering innovation.

By securing the license through Ireland, Kraken positions itself to operate seamlessly across the EEA. This allows the firm to expand its services under a unified set of rules, reducing regulatory complexity.

Other major exchanges have followed similar paths. Coinbase recently received its MiCA license via Luxembourg. OKX and Crypto.com have secured MiCA approvals as well. Gemini, the exchange run by the Winklevoss twins, is reportedly nearing approval in Malta.