Emre Yumlu 
Bitpanda CEO Eric Demuth emphasized the importance of consistent and robust enforcement of MiCA to ensure its effectiveness.
Austrian fintech unicorn Bitpanda has become the latest cryptocurrency company to secure a license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework.
Bitpanda announced that it has secured a MiCA license from Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). The license, which is effective immediately, allows the platform to operate across all EU member states under a unified regulatory regime.
Bitpanda is the second crypto asset service provider (CASP) to receive the MiCA license from BaFin since the regulation came into full effect on December 30, 2024. Bitpanda co-founder and CEO Eric Demuth highlighted that the enforcement of MiCA will determine the effectiveness of the regulatory framework now that it is fully in force.
“The real question is whether the EU will have both the resources and the determination to take action against those who disregard the regulation,” Demuth said, referring to foreign CASPs continuing to operate “as if it’s the Wild West.” He added:
“Without consistent and robust enforcement, this legislative milestone risks being ineffective and puts those who genuinely try to comply with European regulation in a significantly worse competitive position.”
Bitpanda CEO: Europe Should Look to the US for Inspiration
MiCA could have a positive impact on crypto adoption in the EU and beyond, but it is still important for European lawmakers to catch up with regulatory developments in other regions, especially in the United States, Demuth said.
“The speed and determination with which the US is positioning itself as the global crypto hub are setting new benchmarks,” he said, adding that it may become increasingly difficult for the EU to maintain its competitive advantage in the sector.
“Regulation is never a factor that accelerates growth,” Demuth said, continuing:
“The US sets an example by recognizing that the internet has no national borders and by treating any company with American customers as subject to their regulatory and enforcement measures. The EU should be confident to do the same.”
Bitpanda is the second CASP to secure BaFin’s MiCA license, after Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody, which received the license on January 17. Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody is a subsidiary of Boerse Stuttgart Group, one of the largest exchange groups in Europe.
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