Germany, France Top EU's 244 MiCA Crypto Licenses

The European Union has approved 244 crypto licenses under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, with Germany and France accounting for the largest shares. Data from ESMA's interim MiCA register shows Germany issued 57 authorizations to crypto-asset service providers, roughly 23% of the bloc's total. France granted 26. The Netherlands also ranks among the top jurisdictions.

Germany and France together hold more than a third of all MiCA authorizations across the European Economic Area. The numbers replace a fragmented patchwork of national registration systems. Under MiCA, a licensed firm can passport its services across all 30 EEA countries from a single approval, without additional local filings.

The transition period is closing. Firms still operating under older national regimes need to apply or wind down. French authorities have told unregistered companies to stop servicing customers or face enforcement.

Licensed entities face higher compliance requirements: corporate governance rules, cybersecurity standards, anti-money laundering controls, and capital adequacy. ESMA's register is expected to grow as the deadline approaches, with several member states still processing applications.

The EU's push for a single crypto market with uniform standards aims to boost investor protection and market integrity. The numbers so far reflect progress toward that goal, though the total remains small relative to the number of firms operating across Europe before MiCA. Several large exchanges have already received licenses in multiple jurisdictions.