Clearbank Europe Gains First Dutch MiCA Crypto License

A Regulatory Milestone in Amsterdam

Clearbank Europe has officially become the first credit institution in the Netherlands to secure authorization as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider. The firm completed the mandatory notification process under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, receiving formal confirmation from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets on April 9, 2026.

This approval marks a change for traditional banking entities operating within the Netherlands. By aligning its operations with the bloc's unified regulatory framework, Clearbank Europe gains a pathway to offer digital asset services across all member states under a single passporting regime.

Understanding the MiCA Framework

The European Union introduced MiCA to standardize the oversight of digital assets. For institutions like Clearbank, the transition from traditional banking to crypto-inclusive services requires strict adherence to transparency and consumer protection standards. The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets serves as the primary regulator overseeing this transition for local firms.

Core Regulatory Requirements

• Mandatory Notification: Firms must submit formal documentation to national regulators.
• Cross-Border Passporting: Authorized entities can offer services throughout the EU.
• Standardized Oversight: Uniform rules replace fragmented national mandates.