Blab Crypto
BitPay Secures EU-wide Crypto License Under MiCA, Expanding Stablecoin Payments
When the EU’s new crypto law finally takes effect, BitPay has stepped into the spotlight. On July 16 2026 the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) granted the company’s European subsidiary, BitPay B.V., a Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) license. The approval authorises the firm to operate as a crypto‑asset service provider (CASP) across all 27 EU member states, giving it a single, pan‑European regulatory footing for payment processing, cross‑border transactions and stablecoin‑denominated payments.
MiCA, which entered full force in December 2024, replaced a patchwork of national rules that had made cross‑border crypto operations a maze of compliance hurdles. Under the new framework, a single CASP licence now covers the entire bloc, allowing firms like BitPay to offer a consistent suite of services—payment processing, merchant settlement and stablecoin management—to merchants and consumers everywhere in Europe.
The licence unlocks stablecoin‑based payments, a fast‑growing segment that offers price stability and quicker settlement than volatile cryptocurrencies. BitPay can now facilitate payments in stablecoins, support euro‑denominated cross‑border transactions and leverage its existing infrastructure to convert crypto into fiat and settle with local banks, all while meeting EU consumer‑protection and anti‑money‑laundering requirements.
“BitPay’s compliance‑first approach has paid off,” said Thom de Jong, the company’s chief compliance officer for Europe. “The authorization validates our commitment to responsible crypto innovation and gives us a stable foundation to expand across the EU.” Jonathan Arler, BitPay’s head of Europe, added that the region is “one of the most important” for the future of payments and that Amsterdam‑based operations are now poised to meet rising demand for practical digital‑asset utility in commerce and consumer finance.
Founded in 2011, BitPay has grown into one of the sector’s oldest specialists. The company has raised more than $70 million from investors such as Founders Fund, Index Ventures and Virgin Group, and already holds money‑transmitter licences in several jurisdictions. With the MiCA licence, BitPay plans to invest further in European infrastructure and forge strategic partnerships to embed digital assets into cross‑border transactions.
The approval marks a significant milestone for both BitPay and the broader crypto‑payments ecosystem. It demonstrates that EU regulators are willing to grant full‑scope authorisations to established providers that can meet stringent compliance standards. In the coming months the company is likely to scale its stablecoin services, expand merchant onboarding and explore new payment use cases across the EU.
In short, BitPay’s EU‑wide CASP licence enables it to operate a regulated payment platform across all member states, supports stablecoin and cross‑border transactions, and positions the firm to capture growing demand for crypto‑enabled commerce in Europe. How quickly BitPay can expand its services under the new regulatory framework will depend on continued investment in infrastructure and the strength of its partnership network.
MiCA, which entered full force in December 2024, replaced a patchwork of national rules that had made cross‑border crypto operations a maze of compliance hurdles. Under the new framework, a single CASP licence now covers the entire bloc, allowing firms like BitPay to offer a consistent suite of services—payment processing, merchant settlement and stablecoin management—to merchants and consumers everywhere in Europe.
The licence unlocks stablecoin‑based payments, a fast‑growing segment that offers price stability and quicker settlement than volatile cryptocurrencies. BitPay can now facilitate payments in stablecoins, support euro‑denominated cross‑border transactions and leverage its existing infrastructure to convert crypto into fiat and settle with local banks, all while meeting EU consumer‑protection and anti‑money‑laundering requirements.
“BitPay’s compliance‑first approach has paid off,” said Thom de Jong, the company’s chief compliance officer for Europe. “The authorization validates our commitment to responsible crypto innovation and gives us a stable foundation to expand across the EU.” Jonathan Arler, BitPay’s head of Europe, added that the region is “one of the most important” for the future of payments and that Amsterdam‑based operations are now poised to meet rising demand for practical digital‑asset utility in commerce and consumer finance.
Founded in 2011, BitPay has grown into one of the sector’s oldest specialists. The company has raised more than $70 million from investors such as Founders Fund, Index Ventures and Virgin Group, and already holds money‑transmitter licences in several jurisdictions. With the MiCA licence, BitPay plans to invest further in European infrastructure and forge strategic partnerships to embed digital assets into cross‑border transactions.
The approval marks a significant milestone for both BitPay and the broader crypto‑payments ecosystem. It demonstrates that EU regulators are willing to grant full‑scope authorisations to established providers that can meet stringent compliance standards. In the coming months the company is likely to scale its stablecoin services, expand merchant onboarding and explore new payment use cases across the EU.
In short, BitPay’s EU‑wide CASP licence enables it to operate a regulated payment platform across all member states, supports stablecoin and cross‑border transactions, and positions the firm to capture growing demand for crypto‑enabled commerce in Europe. How quickly BitPay can expand its services under the new regulatory framework will depend on continued investment in infrastructure and the strength of its partnership network.
