OKX Becomes First Global Exchange to Secure MiCA Licence in European Push

Digital asset exchange OKX has become the first global platform to obtain a full Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) licence, enabling it to offer regulated services across the European Economic Area (EEA).

Operating from its Malta-based European hub, OKX will provide cryptocurrency trading services to a potential market of more than 400 million Europeans. The platform's offerings include over-the-counter trading, spot trading, and automated trading solutions across more than 240 cryptocurrency tokens and 260 trading pairs, including 60 Euro-based pairs.

The licence allows OKX to customise its services for European users, including localised language options, currency displays, and customer support. European customers will have access to free euro deposits and withdrawals through bank transfers, alongside card payments and local payment methods.

Speaking about the development, OKX Europe CEO Erald Ghoos said: "The full MiCA licence marks a pivotal step in OKX's journey as a responsible leader and innovator across the global crypto ecosystem. Europe holds immense potential to become a cornerstone of excellence for digital assets and blockchain technology, and the MiCA framework establishes a strong foundation for the industry to continue growing. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to delivering secure and innovative digital asset solutions under a regulated framework."

The company plans to passport its MiCA licence across all 30 EEA member states, leveraging the regulation's provision for cross-border service delivery under a unified framework. Malta was selected as the company's European base due to its comprehensive regulatory approach to blockchain and cryptocurrency, coupled with its technological infrastructure.

OKX, which currently serves over 60 million customers globally and ranks as the second-largest exchange by trading volume, maintains a 99.99% platform uptime and provides Proof of Reserves for transparency. The MiCA licence represents the company's eighth regulatory approval globally.

The exchange offers various products including a Simple Exchange for retail users, an Advanced Exchange for traders, and a comprehensive digital wallet. These services will now be available to European customers under the new regulatory framework.

The MiCA regulation, introduced by the European Union, aims to establish standardised rules for cryptocurrency services across member states, providing a unified approach to digital asset regulation in the region.