TLDR BitPay secured authorization from the Dutch AFM under the European Union’s MiCA framework. The license allows BitPay to provide regulated crypto services across all 27 EU member states.
BitPay has received authorization from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation. The approval allows the company to provide regulated crypto payment services across all 27 European Union member states. BitPay said the authorization also supports its plan to expand stablecoin payment services throughout the region.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets granted BitPay authorization as a crypto-asset service provider on July 16, 2026. The approval falls under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation. It creates a single regulatory framework for eligible crypto businesses across the bloc.
The new authorization allows BitPay to offer payment processing, cross-border transfers, and consumer crypto services throughout the European Union. The company can now operate from one regulatory base instead of separate national registrations. This framework reduces compliance fragmentation across member states.
The company previously operated under supervision from the Dutch Central Bank through anti-money laundering requirements. The new authorization replaces that arrangement with the broader MiCA licensing framework. BitPay now holds a harmonized authorization covering the entire European Union market.
BitPay Chief Compliance Officer Thom de Jong described the authorization as an important operational milestone. He said the MiCA authorization “significantly strengthens the company’s capacity to serve both businesses and consumers with compliant digital asset services throughout the EU.” The statement outlined the company’s regulatory position after the approval.
BitPay was founded in May 2011 by Tony Gallippi and Stephen Pair. The company remains among the longest-operating crypto payment processors in the industry. It has continued expanding payment services while adapting to changing regulatory requirements.
Following the approval, BitPay plans to increase its focus on stablecoin payments across European markets. The company currently supports USDC as its primary stablecoin payment option. It also reported that stablecoin transactions represent a substantial and growing share of overall payment volume.
The authorization allows BitPay to serve customers across the European Union through passporting rights under MiCA. Businesses can access regulated crypto payment services without separate national licensing arrangements. The framework also provides a recognized compliance structure for cross-border operations.
The Netherlands has emerged as a preferred jurisdiction for crypto companies seeking MiCA authorization. The Dutch regulator has also approved firms including MoonPay under the same regulatory framework. These approvals reflect continued implementation of the European Union’s unified crypto rules.
BitPay enters the next phase of European operations with a single regulatory authorization covering the full European Union market. The company will continue expanding compliant stablecoin payment services under the MiCA framework. The latest approval marks the completion of an important regulatory step without changing the company’s stated operational focus.
The post Dutch Regulator Authorizes BitPay Under MiCA Rules appeared first on Blockonomi.
