Catenaa, Sunday, May 24, 2026- Crypto infrastructure firm Zerohash Europe became the first company operating under the European Union’s MiCA crypto framework to also secure a full Electronic Money Institution license, opening the door for broader stablecoin and brokerage services across Europe.
The license was granted by De Nederlandsche Bank, the Dutch central bank, allowing Zerohash to combine crypto asset operations with regulated electronic money services throughout the European Economic Area.
The approval arrives weeks before the European Union fully implements the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, known as MiCA, in July.
Zerohash previously received a MiCA license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets in October 2025.
Stablecoin Rules Tighten
European regulators have increasingly pushed crypto firms handling stablecoins toward stricter banking-style oversight.
The European Banking Authority argued last year that many stablecoin transactions effectively function as electronic money flows under existing EU financial laws.
That position forced crypto firms seeking to expand stablecoin payment services to secure additional EMI licensing beyond standard MiCA registration.
The EBA later reinforced the policy through additional guidance published earlier this year.
The move reflects growing efforts by European regulators to integrate stablecoins into mainstream financial systems while tightening consumer safeguards.
Broader Financial Access
The combined MiCA and EMI approvals allow Zerohash to legally handle both crypto assets and electronic money operations across the EU trading bloc.
The company said the licensing structure positions it to work directly with banks, brokerages, payment firms and fintech companies operating throughout Europe.
Executives said Europe is becoming one of the largest growth markets for stablecoin-linked financial products.
Zerohash has expanded operations in Amsterdam while supporting clients including Interactive Brokers Europe.
The company said stablecoin demand is increasing among financial institutions seeking faster settlement systems and cross-border payment infrastructure.
Institutional Crypto Push
The approval highlights how crypto infrastructure providers are increasingly seeking deeper integration with traditional banking and payment systems.
Stablecoins have become one of the fastest-growing sectors in digital finance because they allow blockchain-based transfers while remaining tied to traditional currencies such as the US dollar or euro.
Banks and payment firms are increasingly experimenting with stablecoin settlement systems as regulators create clearer legal frameworks.
European policymakers view MiCA as one of the world’s first broad crypto regulatory systems covering trading, custody and token issuance.
Expansion Plans Continue
Founded in 2017, Zerohash employs roughly 200 people across offices in New York, Chicago, North Carolina and Amsterdam.
The company raised $104 million in funding last year at a valuation of roughly $1 billion.
Reports earlier this year said the firm was discussing a new fundraising round targeting a valuation near $1.5 billion after acquisition talks with Mastercard reportedly collapsed.
Zerohash has also applied for a national trust bank charter in the United States as part of broader expansion efforts.
The company’s new European approval may strengthen its position as financial institutions increasingly seek regulated partners for stablecoin infrastructure and digital asset settlement services.
