Blockrise Secures MiCA License, Offers Bitcoin-Backed Loans to European Firms
Blockrise has achieved MiCA licensing in the Netherlands, enabling regulated Bitcoin services and paving the way for business loans secured by Bitcoin.
Blockrise, a Bitcoin-exclusive startup based in the Netherlands, has successfully obtained a regulatory license that enables fully compliant Bitcoin financial services across Europe.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has granted Blockrise a license under the new {Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)} framework, as shared by the company on Wednesday.
This MiCA license, awarded on Tuesday, empowers Blockrise to offer its Bitcoin (BTC) services, such as custody solutions and asset management, throughout Europe.
Additionally, Blockrise is introducing a service that allows business clients to secure Bitcoin-backed loans, despite MiCA’s current exclusion of cryptocurrency lending regulation.
Business Loans Starting at $23,000
“MiCA facilitates Blockrise in offering Bitcoin-backed loans solely to business clients in adherence to regulatory constraints,” stated Blockrise CEO Jos Lazet.
Beginning today, Blockrise will provide its corporate clients with a new credit service offering business loans starting at 20,000 euros ($23,150).
“Clients can use their Bitcoin as collateral to obtain a loan,” said Lazet, noting that the current interest rate stands at 8%, subject to monthly review.
In late 2024, MiCA will govern crypto issuance and trading, although various services—including lending and decentralized finance (DeFi)—remain outside its scope.
Commenting on MiCA’s regulatory coverage, Lazet conveyed optimism regarding its potential for expansion over the coming years:
“While MiCA does not yet oversee every aspect, it is expected to broaden its reach, incorporating areas like lending, mining, and payments.”
Founded in 2017, Blockrise operates as a crypto asset management company with a unique “semi-custodial wallet structure.” Unlike traditional self-custody methods, Blockrise users possess a digital Blockrise key for access, which lacks intrinsic value beyond this function.
“Blockrise maintains multiple security modules that effectively generate Bitcoin wallets, ensuring transaction security through dual signatures involving both the user and Blockrise,” Lazet explained.
Currently, Blockrise oversees roughly 100 million euros ($116 million) in client assets, a figure that poses measurement challenges as they do not retain custody of user funds in a conventional sense.
