Cryptocurrency exchange WhiteBIT has received authorization under the European Union’s Cryptocurrency Market Regulation (MiCA) from the Austrian Financial Markets Authority, allowing the company to offer regulated crypto services across the European Economic Area through a single license.
Under MiCA, cryptocurrency companies licensed in one European Union member state can passport their services across the European Economic Area without having to obtain separate licenses in each jurisdiction. WhiteBIT said the approval supports the launch of its European-only platform whitebit.eu.
According to Whitebit, its parent company, W Group, serves more than 35 million customers worldwide. Founded in 2018, the exchange has partnerships with Visa, FACEIT, FC Barcelona, Juventus, and the Ukrainian national football team.
Austria did not extend the exemption for virtual asset service providers beyond December 31, 2025, becoming one of the first European Union jurisdictions to fully transition to the MiCA framework.
According to comments previously provided to Cointelegraph by the Austrian Financial Markets Authority, the regulator has granted licenses to nine crypto asset service providers under MiCA, calling the number of applications “substantial.”
Related: Polish president vetoes virtual currency bill for third time before MiCA deadline
MiCA deadline approaches for crypto companies
WhiteBIT’s approval comes less than two weeks before the European Union’s MiCA transition period ends on July 1. From that date, cryptocurrency companies operating under traditional national registration will be required to maintain a MiCA license or cease providing services to customers in the region.
As the deadline approaches, scrutiny of exchanges that have not yet obtained approval is increasing. Earlier this week, Reuters reported that the Greek market regulator was preparing to reject Binance’s MiCA application, while The Big Whale reported that France may be Binance’s last remaining avenue to obtain a MiCA license by the deadline.
Data shared by OKX Europe with Cointelegraph suggests that MiCA’s transition could impact a significant share of Europe’s crypto market. The company found that of the 18.5 million crypto app downloads recorded in Europe between May 2025 and May 2026, around 7.6 million were linked to exchanges not listed on the public MiCA authorized register.
Statement regarding the end of the transition period. sauce: Esma
The European Securities and Markets Authority said companies that remain unlicensed after July 1 should wind down their operations and implement customer migration plans rather than continue operating while their applications are under review.
