Fast-Tracked Crypto Licenses Stir Debate in EU’s New Rule Era
The European Union’s shiny new crypto rulebook is finally in play, and crypto heavyweights are wasting no time. Under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, several big-name exchanges are on track to get their passports to operate across all 27 EU countries. But behind the scenes, regulators are getting twitchy. It’s a huge opportunity for the EU crypto market — but also a test of how well regulators can enforce the new rules.
Gemini, OKX, and Coinbase Want In
First up, Gemini. The Winklevoss-led exchange is close to getting licensed in Malta, a move that would let it serve the entire EU. Malta already handed out licenses to OKX and Crypto.com. Now Luxembourg is reportedly preparing to approve Coinbase, which would add even more firepower to the growing list of MiCA-compliant platforms.
BREAKING NEWS : MiCA adoption in Europe by 2025 will impact crypto investors significantly. https://t.co/hIpqTXLprY #MiCA #CryptoInvestors #Europe2025 pic.twitter.com/xmAqD7gXFa
— Rayan Bibiloni (@rayan_bibiloni) June 13, 2025
In theory, once a company is licensed in one EU country, it can operate across the bloc. That’s the promise of MiCA: seamless access and a level playing field. But reality is messier.
Regulators Are Raising Their Eyebrows
Some national watchdogs aren’t so sure about how fast things are moving, especially in smaller countries like Malta. Their concern? That light-touch reviews could let poorly vetted firms slip through the cracks and still operate across the EU.
France’s regulators are especially worried. They’ve warned that if this turns into a race to hand out licenses quickly, we could end up with a patchwork system that favors speed over security. ESMA, the European Securities and Markets Authority, is watching closely and plans to release a report on what it sees as “regulatory arbitrage.”
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Malta Says: We Know What We’re Doing
Malta isn’t backing down. Officials there say they’ve built up the experience and staff to handle MiCA applications properly. They’ve already approved four licenses and claim the process is thorough, even if it’s faster than in some larger countries.
Still, concerns linger. One EU source reportedly said regulators are uneasy about the weight smaller states will carry in setting the bar for compliance across the bloc. If one regulator gets it wrong, it affects all 27 countries.
Luxembourg’s Power Play, Ireland’s Crypto Cold Shoulder
Luxembourg looks set to issue Coinbase’s license soon, which would be a big win for both the country and the exchange. Luxembourg has long been a hub for financial services, and this move would further solidify its position as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction.
Ireland, however, is taking the opposite approach. Its central bank has been openly critical of crypto, with the governor comparing parts of the industry to Ponzi schemes. That hardline stance might make it more difficult for Ireland to attract top-tier crypto businesses seeking a European base.
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What’s at Stake for Users and the Market
MiCA is supposed to bring order to the chaos of crypto regulation in Europe. If it works, investors get protection, exchanges get clarity, and innovation keeps moving. But if national regulators pull in different directions, the whole system could buckle.
The global crypto market is worth more than $3 trillion. That kind of money needs guardrails, not loopholes. Everyone’s trying to avoid another FTX-sized mess, but getting the balance right between safety and speed is proving tricky.
What Comes Next
All eyes are on ESMA’s next move. Will they tighten standards or let member states continue to interpret the rules their way? The way Europe handles this rollout will set the tone for global crypto regulation. The future of the EU crypto market may depend on how ESMA handles growing concerns over regulatory arbitrage.
The clock’s ticking. And no one wants to be the weak link.
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Key Takeaways
- Gemini, OKX, and Coinbase are racing to gain EU-wide access under MiCA by securing licenses in Malta and Luxembourg.
- National regulators like France and agencies like ESMA are warning about regulatory arbitrage and loose oversight in smaller EU states.
- Malta defends its process, claiming experience and staffing can support responsible MiCA implementation despite rapid approvals.
- Luxembourg is advancing Coinbase’s approval, while Ireland is pushing back against crypto, citing market risks and Ponzi concerns.
- The success or failure of MiCA’s rollout will shape the future of crypto regulation across the EU and could ripple into global policy.
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