We are excited to announce that Kraken has secured a crypto-deduction regulation (MICA) license from the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) based on the European Union market.

This marks a pivotal milestone in Europe’s expansion, unlocking the ability to scale faster across the region by providing regulated services and directly engaging clients in all 30 EEA countries.

“Along with securing a license from the Central Bank of Ireland, which has a long legacy and experience as a strict financial regulator, it is not just about compliance, but it is a strong signal of Kraken’s commitment to expanding crypto ecosystems through responsible innovation.

“Being the first major global crypto platform licensed by the CBI, we confirm that we affirm Kraken’s commitment to building it in the long run. Trust is the most valuable currency in crypto, and over the past few years we have worked tirelessly to meet CBI’s gold standard expectations. Our secure, accessible, fully regulated cryptographic services service serves millions of people across the EU.”

“We are deeply grateful for the professionalism of the Central Bank of Ireland and the consistent support of the Irish government and IDA. This collaboration is a blueprint for how the public and private sectors can work together to build a safer and more innovative financial future for Europe.

Expanding a strong foundation

Kraken already has Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registrations in major European markets such as Ireland, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. We were the main force in euro-denominated crypto trading, which introduced the first BTC/EUR trading pair in 2013. Today, Kraken’s platform is most liquid and trusted in euro trading, reflecting the region’s deep roots.

Alongside MIFID licenses, where MIFID and EMI licenses are now protected by groups, Kraken is able to extend its regulated services to millions of clients across the EU. Together, these licenses support great growth opportunities across retail, professional and institutional client segments, including spot trading, derivatives, and payments.

For clients, MICA offers additional assurance that Kraken’s services will comply with a consistent set of EU-wide regulatory standards, including stronger consumer protection, greater transparency and robust surveillance, such as enhanced consumer protection, greater transparency and robust surveillance, for Craken to strengthen long-term trust over the long term.

Kraken has become the first major global crypto exchange to secure a full Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license through the Central Bank of Ireland, enabling the company to offer regulated digital asset services across all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries.

The license, granted June 26, positions Kraken ahead of the European Union’s year-end MiCA compliance deadline for crypto asset service providers.

The license grants authorization for all seven regulated crypto activities under MiCA, including custody, trading, portfolio management, and payments. It folds Kraken’s existing virtual asset service provider (VASP) registrations in France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands under a single regulatory umbrella.

Per Kraken’s announcement, the approval establishes the firm’s legal basis to continue operating across the bloc amid MiCA’s provisions on crypto exchanges.

MiCA, enacted in June 2023, establishes the EU’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. It provides a unified set of rules replacing 27 national systems. While its stablecoin provisions took effect June 30, 2024, core exchange and custodial rules became binding at the end of last year. Crypto firms that failed to obtain authorization faced a sunset period through July 2026, depending on local transpositions.

Kraken’s license arrives just days after Coinbase secured its own MiCA license via Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. The timing highlights an accelerated push by major U.S. exchanges to lock in regulatory clarity within Europe, even though SEC-driven clarity has emerged at home. The pair’s approvals should yield strategic advantages, including passporting rights, streamlined onboarding, and market access ahead of a competitive backlog.

Kraken’s European business already accounts for roughly 25 percent of its global spot volume. The same update cited over 35 percent of euro-denominated crypto liquidity flowing through Kraken, metrics that likely informed the firm’s regulatory roadmap.

In 2024, Kraken denied phasing out five stablecoins, including Tether’s USDT, from EEA users to preemptively align Kraken’s offerings with MiCA’s stablecoin rules, which prohibit unauthorized issuers and limit exposure thresholds. However, by February 2025, this had changed, and non-MiCA-compliant stablecoins were delisted and converted in March.

In parallel, Kraken also acquired a Cyprus-based entity to secure a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license, giving the firm permission to offer regulated crypto derivatives in the EU. That license, announced February 3, enables Kraken to provide futures and margin products under investment firm rules, placing it among a small cohort of exchanges targeting both spot and derivatives markets under compliant frameworks.

While Kraken’s MiCA license formally unlocks passporting rights, those rights are activated only once the Central Bank of Ireland uploads the authorization to the European Securities and Markets Authority’s (ESMA) central CASP register. The timing of that upload could vary. Meanwhile, some national regulators may impose additional anti-money laundering checks, which could introduce local onboarding frictions even under the harmonized regime.

Regulatory clarity around crypto activities is gaining traction as MiCA’s sunsetting period comes to a close. ESMA has called on crypto firms to delist non-compliant tokens and prepare for robust technical standards expected to evolve through 2025. For exchanges like Kraken and Coinbase, securing a MiCA license early may limit future disruptions, ease institutional onboarding, and offer stable legal ground for expansion.

The firm’s co-CEO Arjun Sethi said the license “affirms Kraken’s commitment to building for the long term,” adding that it “places us in a strong position to expand our product offering.”

Mentioned in this article

For years, Irish Bitcoin has been simmering quietly at the grassroots level, debated in pubs and meetups, debated in telegram groups, and sometimes splashed into headlines with predictable suspicion. However, recently the temperature has started to rise. With the release of “Sound Punt: Case of Ireland’s Interest in Bitcoin” by Bitcoin Network Ireland (BNI), and the weekend release that watches both the Bitcoin Ireland Conference and Aontú’s Ard Fheis, it’s clear that the Emerald Isle is gaining momentum.

Soundpants: Paper for Ireland’s citizens

A new paper released today by Bitcoin Network Ireland is a concise and accessible document created to get through the noise and present the benefits of Bitcoin to the general public and politicians alike. The purpose is simple. It offers a reasonable, jargonless entry point, especially in the age of euro decline and rising cost of living.

The name itself is a clever pun. It nods to both “sound money” and the Punt, the former Irish currency, but the majority view it as associated with risk, suggesting that it is downplaying what may be worth revaluing. This signal that it’s more than technology. It is about asserting financial sovereignty and reconsidering what makes money “good” in the first place.

What BNI is trying to achieve is to bridge the key gaps in understanding and to help citizens seeking change and government officials looking for solutions that recognize that sound, stateless money is valuable to everyone. As Parker Lewis famously said, “Like all successful money, Bitcoin is money for the enemy” – a neutral system that serves all participants regardless of political stance.

Long and complicated relationship with Irish money

To understand the importance of this moment, it is worth noting that the relationship between Ireland and money is always different from its European neighbours. The Romans introduced money to Britain more than 1,000 years before it was adopted in Ireland. Native Irish people resisted state-issued money and instead relied on barter and bullion to rely on the second millennium.

In ancient Ireland, the lack of money was a testament to a stateless, highly decentralized society, embracing multicenter legal systems that differed between clans. The ideal of that society was that the people of society did not rule over others, and that even the king could be disposed of if they abused their power.

It is therefore no coincidence that Ireland was the last European society to adopt money. Ultimately, it was forced into the land by the British crown in 1601, coinciding with the final stages of the nine-year war (1594-1603) and the increase in British rule in Ireland. To this day, Ireland had no own free floating currency. It has always been linked to external forces. First is the sterling of the pound, then the European currency system, and now the euro under the ECB. Therefore, it should not be a coincidence that the EU has not waned in recent years Ireland’s power and influence.

“Control the currency of the country, and I don’t care who is making that law.” – Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1743–1812)

Perhaps given this historical context, Ireland is set up on its own to understand the value of sound, the money of statelessness. Bitcoin represents a return to financial independence, ahead of state-issued currency, but with the technical advantages of the digital age. If the kingdom of ancient Ireland uses market products that cannot be manipulated by distant authorities, Bitcoin offers modern equivalents. It is a system that cannot be interpreted or controlled by any power, whether domestically or foreign.

This historic skepticism about centrally controlled currency is now resurfaced as the Irish state and its citizens face a new wave of economic uncertainty through the ba crimes of the euro and tariffs. Geopolitical and economic tensions rarely feel unstable. The tariff disputes, new questions about Ireland’s foreign direct investment model, and potential technology and pharmaceutical layoffs are sure to uncover the focus on sovereignty and resilience. The release of “A Sound Punt” is timely and invites you to once again question the wisdom of linking the country to faraway financial authorities.

Political crossroads

In line with the release of “A Sound Punt,” revered academic and BNI member Dr. Niall Burke proposes two moves at Aontú Ard Fheis (Party Conference). Aontú, the party that saw the biggest surge in votes in the last general election, has shown acceptance of Bitcoin, opening the door to a conversation that has been relegated to a margin until recently. The presentation and acceptance of Bitcoin movements at major party meetings is a marker of how the conversation is changing.

Meanwhile, the Bitcoin Ireland Conference brings together the country’s growing gospel, builders and supporters. These circles are once in the vicinity and are now finding doors open in the political world.

The public’s dissatisfaction and calls for financial autonomy

Bitcoiner isn’t the only one looking for alternatives. Ireland has witnessed its biggest public demonstration since the 2012 post-GFC era. Recent marches have attracted over 100,000 people to Dublin streets. These protests reflect deep frustration and a sense that political establishment is no longer cooperating with the people.

What’s particularly impressive is how Bitcoin serves as a common foundation for seemingly opposed interests. For protesters, Bitcoin offers protection from inflation and defends it from government overreach. For governments concerned about economic stability and growth, Bitcoin could be the very solution needed to protect pension funds, especially the pension funds and indeed the state’s very own investment funds. This is a paradox of sound, a stateless money promise. It enforces property rights and serves the interests of all, as it cannot be captured or controlled by a single faction.

Last but not least, MMA star Conor McGregor’s foray into both politics and Bitcoin was predicted a year ago, but for those listening to the ground, it has evolved for a while. His proposal for the National Bitcoin Reserve represents a broader national change. Bitcoin finally enters the era-list, and perhaps he is in the role of playing to keep it up, like BNI.

Bitcoin is an open source financial protocol, and adoption comes from all fields, regardless of politics. Bitcoin is neutral and does not support partisan causes. What is probably not fully recognized is how empowering Bitcoin can give us, and we need to focus on our ability to unite rather than splitting.

Return to the “Sound Pant” paper

The paper itself makes a compelling claim for Ireland’s interest in Bitcoin.

• Healthy Money Principles: It evaluates Bitcoin against the six properties of “good money”: durability, divisibility, uniformity, portability, verifiability and rarity.
• Value Store: This document highlights the fixed supply of Bitcoin as a protection against rising inflation and currency collapse.
• Practical examples: Provides evidence of Bitcoin monetization and compares the costs of buying a home with Euro and Bitcoin over a decade.
• General Concern Counterattack: This paper addresses the most common objections to Bitcoin: providing energy use, volatility, criminal activity, weakening of traditional currency, and balanced rebuttals to each.
• Action Steps: Rather than a theoretical argument, this paper outlines specific actions towards individuals, businesses, and governments, from education to strategic Bitcoin reserves.

The beginning of the process

No one is hoping that the Irish government will announce the Bitcoin Treasury next week, and it is debate whether it should be established at all. But “sound punts” mark the beginning of a process that will eventually help reconstruct Irish’s approach to money and economic sovereignty.

This accessible primer is just the first step in Bitcoin Network Ireland’s broader education mission. BNI will be releasing a much more comprehensive policy paper for policy makers in the coming months. This is currently going through the editing phase. While “sound punts” introduce the concept to the public, future documents provide detailed analysis and policy recommendations that decision makers need.

The goal is clear as BNI works to enhance this conversation through both public education and policy analysis. Help all citizens recognize Bitcoin’s universal value proposition. Maintaining a modest strategic allocation of Bitcoin, either at the individual or institutional level, hinders some degree of protection against uncertainty and hope in an age of growing concern.

Download Soundpants: Case of Irish interest in Bitcoin from the Bitcoin Network Ireland website.

‘Victory to Ireland’ is how Connor McGregor signed off on an emphatic call for a Bitcoin strategic reserve in his homeland, Ireland.

The legendary UFC fighter becomes the latest A-list celebrity to openly support Bitcoin (and crypto). Others include Mike Tyson, Snoop Dogg, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Maisie Williams.

Keep reading to find out everything McGregor had to say in support of crypto. We’ll also point you towards the best crypto to buy now in order to benefit from the increasing $BTC adoption.

McGregor’s Crypto Stance

The entire thing unfolded on X, where McGregor wrote, ‘Crypto in it’s origin was founded to give power back to the people.’

He further said that he’ll soon be cohosting a Twitter (X) space to give his two cents on the changes he’d like to see in Ireland’s crypto policy.

It’s also worth noting that Ireland is currently engaged in aligning its cryptocurrency regulations with Europe’s MiCAR framework. MiCAR stands for Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation.

Whether or not Ireland will push for a Bitcoin reserve remains to be seen. However, with several countries finally wrapping their heads around $BTC’s potential, it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if Ireland follows suit.

All in all, with Bitcoin expected to be at the forefront of the next big crypto rally, this could be the perfect time to beef up your crypto portfolio with high-potential tokens like the ones we’ve mentioned below.

1. BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL) – Best Crypto to Buy Now to Rally Behind $BTC

BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL) is an out-and-out Bitcoin fanboy. Meant for investors that have full faith in $BTC claiming the magical $1M level within the next few years, $BTCBULL is easily one of the best cryptos to invest in today.

A massive reason behind its appeal is its airdrop scheme. According to BTC Bull Token’s whitepaper, the project will give away free (and real) $BTC via airdrops to its token holders.

Faithful $BTCBULL holders who store their tokens in Best Wallet will automatically receive $BTC every time the king cryptocurrency reaches a new milestone, such as $150K, $200K, and $250K.

Become a part of the ‘Bull Army’ by buying $BTCBULL now. The project is in presale right now ($5.5M+ raised), and each token is available for just $0.002505. For more info, refer to our guide on how to buy BTC Bull Token.

2. SUBBD Token ($SUBBD) – New Altcoin Revolutionizing the Online Creator Industry

Increasing crypto adoption is likely to see digital assets entering every big and small industry worldwide.

New cryptos like SUBBD Token ($SUBBD) are the first signs of crypto stepping into the $85B digital content industry.

SUBBD is a new-age crypto subscription platform that’s reportedly the first to integrate advanced AI tools to simplify the lives of online creators.

Creators on SUBBD will be able to use the platform’s AI-powered features to upscale and automate content creation, management, and distribution.

In addition to providing creators with more time to engage organically with their audiences, SUBBD will also make their endeavors more profitable.

After all, the platform will only charge a small percentage of creator revenue as fees, especially when compared to traditional platforms that charge up to 70%.

Fans, on the other hand, will benefit in more ways than one from holding $SUBBD tokens.

For starters, they’ll be able to use the on-platform currency to unlock premium creator content, including direct chat and personalized content requests from their favorite creators.

Furthermore, $SUBBD holders will also get exclusive discounts on SUBBD creator subscriptions, early-bird access to beta features, and voting rights.

You can also stake your $SUBBD tokens in exchange for a 20% fixed APY, as well as access to exclusive creator livestreams, BTS drops, and in-house content from SUBBD’s top talent.

SUBBD Token is currently in presale, with more than $363K raised at the time of writing. Buy $SUBBD now for just $0.055375 per token.

3. Comedian ($BAN) – Trending Meme Coin Based on Controversial Art

A Bitcoin rally almost always sends meme coin prices soaring. That’s exactly what we’re seeing now, with more of the same expected in the coming months.

Comedian has been one of the top trending tokens for a while now. It’s up 58% in the last seven days – and a whopping 127% in the last month or so.

This new meme coin is inspired by the highly controversial artwork of Maurizio Cattelan, which features a live banana taped to a wall.

It really isn’t tough to wrap your head around why it’s so infamous.

Fans of contemporary art look at it as a representation of ‘modern art,’ which they believe is a dig at the greats of the past and not nearly as thought-provoking as it claims to be.

However, this particular art piece’s controversial nature is exactly why $BAN was quick to gain momentum. The token is currently trading at $0.06907, making it one of the best cheap cryptos to buy now.

Even the Best Crypto to Buy Now Needs Sound Investing Tactics

Before investing in even the best altcoins, make sure you understand the peaks and troughs of the crypto market.

The general rule of thumb is to cash in with the momentum and get out before the market corrects.

However, because of crypto’s high volatility, it is incredibly difficult to predict anything with reasonable surety.

That’s why we suggest you only invest a small amount of money, especially if you’re a beginner.

Finally, this article isn’t financial advice, and you must always do your own research before investing.