MoonPay Receives MiCA Approval

MoonPay, a crypto payment solutions provider, has officially received approval to operate under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, as per a Dec. 30 statement shared with CryptoSlate.

The firm secured its license from the Netherlands’ Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), enabling MoonPay to offer services seamlessly across the European Economic Area (EEA).

CEO’s Statement

Ivan Soto-Wright, the CEO of MoonPay, views this approval as a significant achievement, emphasizing the company’s dedication to proactive regulatory engagement and its mission to bridge traditional finance with the crypto ecosystem. He remarked:
> “This milestone is not just about compliance; it’s about solidifying the crypto industry’s place in the global financial system. We’re eager to deepen collaborations with regulators, businesses, and users as we shape the future of digital payments.”

MiCA Framework Overview

The MiCA framework established by the European Union creates a unified regulatory environment for digital assets, focusing on consumer protection, transparency, and market integrity. This framework aims to form a solid foundation for the expanding crypto industry.

According to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), this guidance helps prevent market abuse and improves regulatory coordination across borders, enhancing the stability and integrity of Europe’s growing crypto market.

Future Plans

With the MiCA framework now in full effect as of Dec. 30, MoonPay aims to leverage this regulatory clarity to expand its European presence. The company plans to explore innovative payment solutions and digital asset applications, ensuring compliance with evolving standards.

This news comes as MoonPay is reportedly discussing the acquisition of Helio Pay, a crypto payment provider, for approximately $150 million. This potential deal would be MoonPay’s largest acquisition since its inception in 2018, further strengthening its market leadership.

MoonPay supports seamless fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat transactions in over 180 countries, offering access to more than 100 digital assets, facilitating secure and accessible digital currency usage for both businesses and individuals alike.