Why did European regulators issue so many MiCA licences before the deadline?

European regulators approved a final wave of Crypto-Asset Service Provider licences before the Markets in Crypto-Assets transition period ended. The approvals increased the total number of authorised providers across the European Union and European Economic Area to 244.

Which countries approved new MiCA licences before the transition period ended?

Italy authorised four new Crypto-Asset Service Providers, France approved three additional firms, Malta granted a licence to FalconX and Spain authorised Venga. These approvals were issued during the final days of MiCA's 18-month transition period.

What happens to cryptocurrency firms without a MiCA licence?

The European Securities and Markets Authority said cryptocurrency firms that remain unauthorised must immediately begin winding down their European Union operations. The requirement took effect after the MiCA transition period ended.

Which major cryptocurrency exchanges have MiCA authorisation?

According to DefiLlama, OKX, Coinbase, Bybit, Crypto.com, Gate and Bitstamp are among the largest MiCA-authorised exchanges by spot order book liquidity. Binance has not yet received MiCA authorisation.

Why does Binance not have a MiCA licence?

Binance withdrew its MiCA licence application in Greece after initially seeking authorisation there. The exchange said it intends to apply in another European Union member state but has not yet received a MiCA licence.

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MiCA approvals accelerate before EU deadline

Written by Isaac FrancisPublished Jul 2, 2026, 2:45 AM

European regulators approved a final wave of cryptocurrency firms before the Markets in Crypto-Assets transition period ended, bringing the total number of licensed providers to 244.
Italy, France, Malta and Spain issued new licences as firms sought authorisation before the European Union's July deadline.
The transition leaves several major exchanges operating under MiCA licences, while Binance remains without authorisation in the European Union.

European regulators approved a final round of cryptocurrency licences before the Markets in Crypto-Assets transition period ended, lifting the number of authorised Crypto-Asset Service Providers across the European Union and European Economic Area to 244.

Italy authorised four additional Crypto-Asset Service Providers, bringing its total to eight, while France approved three more firms, Malta licensed FalconX and Spain granted authorisation to Venga.

The Bank of Italy said Italy's licences were approved in coordination with financial regulator Consob.

The final approvals were issued before the end of MiCA's 18-month transition period, after which the European Securities and Markets Authority said unauthorised cryptocurrency firms must immediately begin winding down European Union operations.

Binance remains without a MiCA licence after withdrawing its application in Greece, while exchanges including OKX, Coinbase, Bybit, Crypto.com, Gate and Bitstamp are among the largest authorised trading platforms by spot order book liquidity.

Greece remains one of the European Union member states yet to issue a MiCA licence, highlighting differences in the pace of implementation across the bloc.

The completion of the transition period marks the start of a fully regulated licensing framework for cryptocurrency service providers operating across the European Union.