Blockchain.com has secured a MiCA license from Malta’s Financial Services Authority, enabling custody and wallet services across 30 EEA countries while advancing institutional offerings like treasury management in a unified regulatory framework.
-
Malta’s regulatory clarity positions it as a key hub for crypto firms expanding in Europe.
-
Blockchain.com’s approval consolidates fragmented operations under MiCA, boosting compliance and scalability.
-
The license supports over 20 million users, with plans for enhanced institutional services amid EU-wide adoption.
Blockchain.com MiCA license in Malta unlocks EEA-wide services for custody and wallets. Discover how this approval drives crypto innovation and compliance in Europe. Stay updated on regulatory shifts today.
What is Blockchain.com’s MiCA License in Malta?
Blockchain.com MiCA license in Malta represents a pivotal regulatory milestone for the veteran crypto platform, allowing it to legally offer custody and wallet services throughout the 30 European Economic Area countries. Issued by the Maltese Financial Services Authority on Thursday, this approval addresses prior fragmentation in Europe’s regulatory landscape, enabling Blockchain.com to operate under a cohesive MiCA framework. The company, known for its wallet and blockchain explorer services since 2011, now plans to introduce institutional tools such as treasury management to support broader market expansion.
According to a spokesperson for Blockchain.com, as reported by Cointelegraph, the license simplifies service delivery across the EEA, replacing a patchwork of national rules with standardized oversight. This move aligns with MiCA’s goals to foster secure crypto ecosystems while protecting consumers.
FIMA’s members count more than 20 companies, including crypto outfits like Bitpanda, Tether-related StablR and more. Source: FIMA
How Does Malta’s Approach to MiCA Differ from Other EU States?
Malta has emerged as a frontrunner in MiCA implementation, issuing licenses with a focus on balancing innovation and oversight, unlike more centralized pushes from countries like France. In July, the Maltese Financial Services Authority faced review from the European Securities and Markets Authority over procedural aspects, but officials confirmed no disruptions to the licensing process, highlighting Malta’s proactive stance. This early adoption has drawn both praise for its clarity and debate regarding potential risks in a nascent regulatory environment.
Blockchain.com’s co-founder and CEO Peter Smith emphasized, “Malta’s regulatory clarity and strategic position make it the ideal hub to scale Blockchain.com’s European operations.” To spearhead this growth, the company appointed Fiorentina D’Amore, chairperson of the Financial Institutions Malta Association, as senior director of EU business operations and CEO of Blockchain.com Malta. Launched in 2017, FIMA represents over 20 licensed financial entities in Malta, including crypto players like Bitpanda and StablR, collaborating with local and EU regulators to advance the sector.
D’Amore, with prior roles at platforms such as Bitpanda and eToro, will guide strategic initiatives across the EU. She stated, “Leveraging off the momentum of our MiCA license, we will continue to advance the balance of innovation and compliance across the region.” Malta’s model has attracted firms seeking efficient entry into the EEA market, where MiCA, fully effective since late 2024, standardizes rules for crypto-asset service providers.
Despite its leadership, Malta opposes rapid centralization of supervision under ESMA. While France advocates for direct ESMA oversight of crypto-asset service providers, the MFSA argues it’s premature, noting MiCA’s brief implementation period. In a September 17 statement, the regulator noted, “It is premature to assess its full impact, especially on CASPs, and the MFSA believes that now is not the appropriate moment to introduce additional layers of supervision that could potentially hinder competitiveness and innovation within the digital assets market.”
MFSA opposed CASP supervision centralization in September 2025. Source: MFSA
This position underscores Malta’s commitment to fostering a competitive digital assets ecosystem without overburdening emerging markets. Related reports indicate France is intensifying scrutiny on platforms like Binance amid broader EU regulatory tensions. Broader discussions, such as those on the EU’s privacy-focused Chat Control bill, highlight ongoing debates over digital regulation, though delays provide temporary relief for the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Services Can Blockchain.com Offer with Its MiCA License in Malta?
With the MiCA license from Malta’s MFSA, Blockchain.com can provide custody and wallet services across all 30 EEA countries, serving its global user base of over 20 million. It also plans to launch institutional services like treasury management, ensuring compliance with EU standards for secure crypto handling and reducing operational silos.
Why Did Blockchain.com Choose Malta for Its MiCA Approval?
Blockchain.com selected Malta due to its established regulatory clarity and status as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction within the EU. As an early MiCA adopter, Malta offers a strategic base for scaling operations, allowing seamless EEA-wide service delivery while navigating Europe’s evolving crypto rules with expert local leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Regulatory Milestone: Blockchain.com’s MiCA license solidifies its EU presence, enabling standardized services amid a previously fragmented landscape.
- Leadership Appointment: Fiorentina D’Amore’s role leverages her FIMA experience to drive compliant growth across Europe.
- Malta’s Unique Stance: By resisting premature centralization, Malta promotes innovation in crypto supervision, benefiting firms like Blockchain.com.
Conclusion
Blockchain.com’s MiCA license in Malta marks a significant step toward unified crypto regulation in the EEA, enhancing custody, wallet, and institutional services while demonstrating Malta’s pivotal role in EU compliance. As debates on supervision centralization continue, this approval reinforces the balance between innovation and oversight. Industry stakeholders should monitor MiCA’s evolution for opportunities in the expanding digital assets market—consider exploring compliant platforms to align with these regulatory advancements.
