Blockchain.com Gains MiCA License and Appoints Malta Insider to Drive EU Expansion
Blockchain.com earns regulatory approval in Malta while advancing its European operations.
Blockchain.com, a prominent player in the cryptocurrency arena, has secured regulatory endorsement in Europe, emphasizing its commitment to compliance. The platform received a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license from the Maltese Financial Services Authority (MFSA) on Thursday.
With this license, Blockchain.com can now offer custody and wallet services across 30 European Economic Area (EEA) nations and is set to introduce institutional services, including treasury management.
“Before MiCA, our operations were hindered by a disjointed regulatory landscape,” noted a representative from Blockchain.com, emphasizing that this license allows for the integration of services across the EEA under one regulatory framework.
New Leader from Malta’s Financial Sector
“Malta’s transparent regulatory environment and strategic location position it as the perfect hub for expanding Blockchain.com’s operations in Europe,” stated Peter Smith, co-founder and CEO of Blockchain.com.
In a strategic move, Blockchain.com appointed Fiorentina D’Amore, the chairperson of the Financial Institutions Malta Association (FIMA), as the senior director of EU business operations and CEO of Blockchain.com Malta.
FIMA Members
FIMA includes over 20 companies, comprising crypto entities such as Bitpanda and StablR related to Tether. Source: FIMA
Established in 2017, FIMA advocates licensed financial institutions in Malta, collaborating with local and EU regulators. With extensive experience from notable platforms including Bitpanda and eToro, D’Amore will be responsible for leading Blockchain.com’s initiatives in the EU, emphasizing strategic growth.
“By capitalizing on our MiCA license, we aim to foster a balance of innovation and compliance throughout the region,” D’Amore expressed.
Malta’s Distinctive MiCA Implementation
Malta’s methodology for granting MiCA licenses has generated both interest and debate within the EU.
In July, the MFSA faced scrutiny from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) for perceived authorization shortcomings. However, the Maltese authority later confirmed that these concerns posed no threat to its MiCA licensing processes, reinforcing their role as frontrunners in crypto regulation.
MFSA stance
MFSA opposed CASP supervision centralization in September 2025. Source: MFSA
Malta diverges from other member states in its approach to EU centralization on crypto supervision. While countries like France have advocated for direct supervision by ESMA over crypto-asset service providers, Malta contends that it is premature to enforce such significant changes, given that MiCA has only been active for less than a year.
“It’s too early to fully evaluate its effects, particularly on CASPs. The MFSA believes additional regulatory layers could stifle competitiveness and innovation within the digital asset sector,” the regulator stated in a comment on September 17.
