Coinbase Becomes First U.S. Exchange to Get EU-Wide Crypto License

Coinbase has become the first U.S.-based crypto exchange to win a MiCA license, giving it legal access to offer services across the European Union.

The license was issued by Luxembourg’s financial regulator and opens the door to operating in all 27 EU nations, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

As part of the move, Coinbase will shift its EU base of operations from Ireland to Luxembourg.

Why Luxembourg Won

According to Coinbase’s European leadership, Luxembourg stood out for its established blockchain laws and for being a regulator more familiar with the crypto space. While Ireland was home to Coinbase’s previous EU operations, it has yet to pass crypto-specific legislation. In contrast, Luxembourg already has multiple blockchain laws in place, giving it a practical advantage when MiCA rules take effect in early 2026.

MiCA licence secured

It was great to meet with Luxembourg Prime Minister @LucFrieden, the Crown Prince, and the very welcoming ministers as we announce the receipt of our MiCA license from the CSSF.

Time to take crypto adoption in Europe to the next level. https://t.co/Xcv7q2tFqJ pic.twitter.com/m2R8PrY4qx

— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) June 20, 2025

Daniel Seifert, Coinbase’s regional managing director, said Luxembourg was better prepared and offered a clearer legal environment. That combination helped make the decision a straightforward one.

What MiCA Actually Means for Crypto

MiCA, or Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, is the EU’s sweeping framework for digital assets. It replaces the patchwork of local crypto rules with a single, consistent standard for licensing, compliance, and investor protections across the bloc.

For Coinbase, securing a MiCA license means the exchange can offer crypto trading, custody, and merchant services across the entire European market without having to apply for licenses in each individual country. Other major exchanges like OKX, Crypto.com, and Bybit have also gained MiCA licenses, but Coinbase is the first major player from the United States to cross that line.

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Why It Matters for Coinbase Users in Europe

For European users, this means Coinbase can now fully scale its product suite across the continent. That includes 24/7 USDC settlement for merchants and more regional integrations in the months ahead. It also positions Coinbase to lead on regulatory compliance at a time when some competitors still operate in legal grey zones.

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Investors also seemed to like the move. Coinbase’s stock rose more than 3 percent following the announcement, reflecting growing confidence in the exchange’s international strategy.

A Bigger Regulatory Shift Across the EU

Luxembourg is not the only country racing to license crypto firms. Malta, for example, has already issued MiCA licenses to Gemini, OKX, and Crypto.com. This regional competition has raised concerns among some EU regulators, who worry that lighter-touch jurisdictions could create uneven enforcement.

Still, the goal across the EU is to build a uniform regulatory environment that avoids regulatory arbitrage while encouraging innovation. MiCA is meant to be that solution.

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What Comes Next

Coinbase now needs to build out its local team in Luxembourg, manage its license obligations, and ensure a smooth transition from its Irish base. It also faces competition from other major players, both from the U.S. and elsewhere, who are pursuing their own MiCA strategies.

Meanwhile, EU regulators will be watching closely to ensure all licensed platforms maintain high compliance standards. As the crypto industry matures, getting the balance right between innovation and accountability will be key.

The Takeaway

Coinbase’s license is a big win, not just for the company but for the broader push toward regulated crypto markets in Europe. It marks a shift from regulatory ambiguity to a structured, rules-based system. Whether others follow the same path or get left behind will come down to who can adapt fast enough to this new regulatory reality.

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