Global cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has secured a license under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation from the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). This marks a significant milestone for Kraken's expansion within Europe, allowing the exchange to offer regulated services across all 30 member states of the European Economic Area (EEA).

The MiCA framework aims to establish a consistent regulatory landscape for digital assets throughout the EU. Kraken's approval by the CBI signifies its commitment to complying with these standards, which include enhanced consumer protection, increased transparency, and robust oversight. According to Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi, obtaining the license from the Central Bank of Ireland, known for its stringent financial regulation, underscores Kraken's dedication to fostering responsible innovation within the crypto space and its long-term vision.

Kraken has been proactively expanding its European presence. The company already holds Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registrations in several European countries, including Ireland, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. Furthermore, Kraken secured a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license in February and an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in 2023. These licenses, combined with the MiCA approval, enable Kraken to offer a wider range of regulated services to its European client base, encompassing spot trading, derivatives, and payments.

Ireland has been proactive in implementing MiCA regulations, shortening the grace period for crypto firms to comply. All exchanges, brokers, and wallet services targeting Irish customers are now required to obtain a full license, with a deadline of December 29, 2025. This stringent regulatory approach aims to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with EU standards.

Kraken's existing infrastructure and strategic moves have positioned it well to capitalize on the opportunities presented by MiCA. The company acquired Dutch crypto broker BCM in 2024, expanding its reach into key EU markets. It also launched MiFID II-regulated derivatives to cater to sophisticated European clients and acquired NinjaTrader in 2025 to integrate traditional finance derivatives. These steps demonstrate Kraken's commitment to building a comprehensive and compliant platform for European users.

For Kraken's clients, the MiCA license provides reassurance that the exchange's services adhere to consistent, EU-wide regulatory standards. These standards formalize Kraken's commitment to high standards and reinforce trust in the market.

The euro is gaining prominence in the global crypto market. The euro now accounts for 17.5% of global fiat spot crypto trading volume, more than doubling compared to a year earlier, highlighting the growing importance of European markets. Kraken has been a significant player in euro-denominated crypto trading since introducing the first BTC/EUR trading pair in 2013.