On February 18th, 2025, OKX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced it had received approval under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, becoming one of the first exchanges to offer its services across the European Economic Area (EEA).
This significant milestone allows OKX to offer fully compliant cryptocurrency services to over 400 million individuals within the 28 EEA member states, operating from its established European headquarters in Malta.
OKX MiCA Approval Aids Operation
The approval represents a substantial advancement for OKX and the broader European cryptocurrency landscape. By securing a MiCA license, OKX gains the ability to operate legally and seamlessly across multiple jurisdictions, eliminating the complexities associated with navigating fragmented national regulations.
Furthermore, this “passporting” right, a core component of the MiCA framework, permits businesses licensed in one EU member state to extend their operations throughout the EEA without seeking additional approvals in each country.
Moreover, operating from its Malta hub, OKX provides localized services tailored to European users. These services encompass support for euro trading pairs, facilitating free bank transfers, and the integration of diverse local fiat payment methods.
The exchange offers a comprehensive suite of products, including over-the-counter (OTC) trading, spot trading, and bot trading, providing access to more than 240 cryptocurrency tokens and over 300 trading pairs – notably, including over 60 euro-based pairings.
This expansion signifies OKX’s commitment to regulatory compliance and its dedication to offering a secure and transparent trading experience.
OKX Ease EEA Userbase
On January 27, 2025, OKX issued an X platform statement reaffirming its commitment to these principles. The statement highlighted the easy access European users enjoy to its services, regardless of their EEA location. This includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe, stated that “Securing the MiCA license and obtaining passporting rights highlights the company’s dedication to providing secure, transparent, and localized cryptocurrency services across the EEA.”
He emphasized the platform’s efforts to enhance accessibility by supporting local languages, currencies, and payment methods, thereby positioning OKX as a leading alternative for European crypto finance.
The MiCA framework, designed to create a unified regulatory landscape, aims to foster innovation while simultaneously ensuring consumer protection and market stability.