Blockchain.com, one of the oldest crypto platforms operating wallets and blockchain explorers, has received regulatory approval in Europe as it strengthens its compliance efforts.
Blockchain.com has received a Cryptocurrency Market Regulation (MiCA) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), the company announced on Thursday.
The license will enable Blockchain.com to offer custody and wallet services in 30 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), and plans to expand its institutional services, including treasury management.
“Prior to MiCA, the company operated in a fragmented regulatory environment,” a Blockchain.com spokesperson told Cointelegraph, adding that the license will help consolidate services across the EEA under a single regulatory umbrella.
New executives of the Malta Financial Association
Peter Smith, co-founder and CEO of Blockchain.com, said: “Malta’s regulatory clarity and strategic position make it an ideal base from which to expand Blockchain.com’s European operations.”
To lead its EU strategy, Blockchain.com has appointed Fiorentina D’Amore, President of the Financial Institutions Association of Malta (FIMA), as Senior Director of EU Business Operations and CEO of Blockchain.com Malta.
FIMA’s membership includes more than 20 companies, including cryptocurrency companies such as Bitpanda and Tether-related StablR. Source: FIMA
Established in 2017, FIMA is the association representing licensed financial institutions in Malta and aims to promote the industry in collaboration with local and EU-wide regulators. Leveraging his experience with leading platforms such as Bitpanda and eToro, Mr. D’Amore will oversee Blockchain.com’s operations across the EU with a focus on strategic growth.
“Leveraging the momentum of the MiCA license, we will continue to drive the balance between innovation and compliance across the region,” Damore said.
Malta stands out with its MiCA approach
Malta’s approach to issuing MiCA licenses has attracted attention and controversy within the EU.
In July, the MFSA came under scrutiny from Europe’s main MiCA supervisor, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), for certain lack of authorizations. Malta’s regulator later clarified that these issues pose no risk to the MiCA licensing process, highlighting Malta’s role as an early adopter of cryptocurrency regulation.
MFSA opposed the centralization of CASP oversight in September 2025. Source: MFSA
Malta also stands out for its opposition to EU centralization in the supervision of cryptocurrencies.
While member states such as France have called for ESMA to directly supervise crypto asset service providers (CASPs), Malta has argued that it is premature to implement such major changes as MiCA has been fully implemented for less than a year.
Related: Amid EU power struggle, France steps up attacks on Binance and rivals: Report
“It is too early to fully assess its impact on CASPs in particular, and the MFSA believes that it is not the right time to introduce an additional layer of oversight that could potentially hinder competitiveness and innovation within the digital asset market,” the regulator said in a statement on September 17.
magazine: EU’s privacy-destroying chat control bill postponed, but the fight isn’t over
Discover more from Earlybirds Invest
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
