Revolut, the UK-based fintech giant, has obtained a crypto asset service provider license from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) — granting it regulatory approval to offer cryptocurrency trading and custody services across the European Union.
The move makes Revolut one of the first major fintech companies to fully comply with the EU’s upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework, which will take effect in 2026. The license allows the firm to provide crypto-related products to customers in all EU member states under a single regulatory umbrella.
“This marks a major milestone for Revolut’s European expansion,” said a company spokesperson. “We aim to bring safe, transparent, and compliant crypto services to millions of our users.”
📊 Rapid Growth in Revolut’s Crypto Segment Revolut currently serves around 65 million users globally, of which 14 million (approximately 22%) actively trade or hold cryptocurrencies. According to Reuters, the company’s Wealth division — which includes crypto trading, stock investments, and savings tools — has tripled its revenues in the past year, largely fueled by growing retail interest in digital assets.
This expansion comes amid increased institutional adoption of crypto assets and the stabilization of market conditions following the 2022–2023 “crypto winter.” Revolut’s user-friendly interface and strong brand recognition have made it one of the most accessible gateways to crypto investing for European retail customers.
🏛️ Why It Matters — A Turning Point for European Crypto Regulation Revolut’s new license highlights the evolving regulatory landscape in Europe, as the EU moves to establish a unified legal framework for digital assets. Under MiCA, crypto service providers must obtain authorization from a national authority, meet capital requirements, and ensure robust consumer-protection measures.
This development signals that:
Europe is moving from a “wild west” market to a regulated, trust-based ecosystem.
Licensed providers are expected to attract more cautious and institutional investors, boosting credibility.
However, compliance costs and operational burdens may push smaller startups out of the market, consolidating power among larger players like Revolut, Coinbase, and Bitstamp.
🌍 Broader Context — The Fintech Race for Regulatory Legitimacy Revolut’s strategic move aligns with a broader trend: fintech and crypto firms are racing to secure regulatory legitimacy ahead of MiCA’s enforcement. Competitors such as Kraken and Binance have already obtained similar licenses in European jurisdictions like France and Spain.
By choosing Cyprus, Revolut benefits from a business-friendly regulatory environment while still maintaining full access to the EU single market. The island has become a hub for financial innovation, hosting several crypto service providers that operate under MiCA-aligned supervision.
Financial analysts say this step positions Revolut as a key player in the coming wave of regulated digital finance, bridging the gap between traditional banking and blockchain-based services.
“This is not just about crypto trading,” noted an analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence. “It’s about embedding digital assets into mainstream financial infrastructure — and Revolut is making sure it’s ready before everyone else.”
🧭 In Summary Revolut’s EU crypto license represents a pivotal moment for the European digital-asset sector:
It strengthens consumer protection and trust.
It sets the stage for large-scale institutional participation.
And it confirms that the era of unregulated crypto in Europe is ending, replaced by a new model of compliance-driven innovation.
