Trading and investing platform eToro has secured regulatory approval under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), allowing it to offer crypto services across the EU.
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) granted the permit to eToro’s European subsidiary, eToro (Europe) Ltd, making it one of the first trading platforms to operate under the new regulatory framework. The company must notify individual member states before rolling out services in each jurisdiction.
MiCA Compliance and Investor Protections
The MiCA framework, which took full effect in December 2024, standardizes cryptocurrency regulations across the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. eToro’s authorization under MiCA enables it to provide crypto services in a regulated environment while adhering to the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), ensuring additional oversight and investor protection.
Avi Sela, eToro’s Chief Operating Officer for Regulation, emphasized the importance of regulatory clarity in promoting crypto adoption and safeguarding consumers. “We believe that the regulatory clarity and uniform market rules provided by MiCA will foster greater crypto adoption across Europe while ensuring consumers are fully aware of any associated risks,” Sela stated.
The approval follows eToro’s recent achievement of SOC 2 Type II Compliance Certification, awarded by Grant Thornton, which affirms its security and operational excellence in crypto asset custody. This certification strengthens eToro’s credibility as a secure and transparent trading platform.
Expanding Crypto Access for Millions
With over 38 million registered users globally and Europe as its largest market, eToro has played a significant role in expanding crypto access since first introducing Bitcoin trading in 2013. Today, the platform offers over 100 crypto assets alongside stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), indices, commodities, and thematic Smart Portfolios.
The approval positions eToro alongside exchanges such as Bitpanda, OKX, and Crypto.com, which have also secured MiCA licenses. This regulatory milestone allows the platform to broaden its services while ensuring compliance with strict EU financial regulations. The move comes at a time when major exchanges, including Binance, have adjusted their European operations to align with MiCA requirements.
eToro’s expansion plans coincide with reports of a potential initial public offering (IPO) in 2025. Industry sources suggest the company submitted a confidential filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in January, with an estimated valuation exceeding $5 billion.
The regulatory approval is expected to further strengthen eToro’s standing in the European crypto market, providing millions of investors with a safer and more transparent way to trade digital assets.
