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Bitcoin Lightning Fintech ZBD Approved to Receive EU MiCA License by Dutch Regulator

Countries like the Netherlands are preparing for MiCA implementation.

By Camomile Shumba|Edited by Nikhilesh De, Sheldon Reback
Dec 18, 2024, 11:14 a.m.
EU flag and other flags (Yuedongzi CHAI/ Unsplash)
MiCA will take effect across the European Union at the end of the year. (Yuedongzi CHAI/ Unsplash)

What to know:

  • Dutch regulator AFM approved ZBD, formerly Zebedee, to receive a MiCA license.
  • The license will allow the payments platform to operate throughout the European Union.

ZBD, a payment platform powered by the Bitcoin Lightning network, said the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) approved its application for a European Union MiCA license.

When MiCA takes effect and the license is granted on Dec. 30, ZBD will be able to offer a wide range of crypto custody and crypto exchange services throughout the trading bloc, the company, formerly known as Zebedee, told CoinDesk on Wednesday.

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The company first submitted the application in April. The list of applicants receiving a license will be visible on the AFM's website once MiCA kicks in, the regulator said.

Countries like the Netherlands are among the nations in the EU that have been getting companies ready for MiCA to take full force. Many others have yet to pass the required legislation for MiCA to take effect in their jurisdictions.

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