ZBD Becomes First Company Approved for EU MiCAR License, Paving the Way for Crypto-Asset Innovation

ZBD Achieves Historic MiCAR License Approval

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency and financial technology sectors, ZBD has proudly announced its status as the first company to receive approval for the new EU crypto-asset service provider license under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). This regulatory framework, set to take effect on December 30, 2024, will enable ZBD to offer a comprehensive array of services related to crypto-assets across the European Union.

This milestone not only marks a breakthrough for ZBD but also reflects a major step forward in the broader landscape of crypto regulation in the EU. The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) approved ZBD’s application, allowing the company to provide essential services, including crypto-asset custody, administration, transfers, and crucially, fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat exchanges. These capabilities signify ZBD's commitment to compliance and consumer protection, setting a high standard in an industry characterized by rapid evolution and regulation challenges.

ZBD's proactive and meticulous approach to compliance has positioned it as a leader in crypto-asset innovation within the EU. While numerous companies, including major exchanges, struggle to meet MiCAR’s stringent standards, ZBD has effectively navigated these challenges. "Being the first to receive MiCAR license approval is a major leap forward for us," shared Marca Wosoba, COO of ZBD. "We have cultivated a culture where compliance drives innovation, rather than hindering it."

This licensing achievement allows ZBD to further extend its user-friendly digital-native payments platform, particularly within the gaming and entertainment sectors. Unlike traditional fintech companies that typically begin with fiat services before integrating cryptocurrencies, ZBD flips this model by leveraging Bitcoin's Lightning Network from the outset. This allows ZBD to facilitate rapid, low-cost, and scalable payment solutions tailored to the gaming industry, enabling unique use cases like instant reward payouts and the ability for gamers to cash out at fractional amounts.

Wosoba elaborated on the company's vision, stating, "Our goal is to become a digital-native payments business that can transfer value across currencies almost instantaneously. We’re not just a crypto enterprise; our core technology is built around Bitcoin, which serves as the foundation of our internal mechanisms."

ZBD's strategy of early registration for MiCAR averse any regulatory disruptions and showcased its robust relationship with the AFM. This collaboration played a crucial role in ZBD obtaining its license, signifying strong support for innovative companies willing to comply with new regulatory frameworks.

Looking ahead, the MiCAR license uniquely positions ZBD to introduce advanced payment solutions within the EU and to scale rapidly throughout 2025. Following this achievement, ZBD is also on track to obtain an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license, which will augment its service portfolio by enabling various fiat payment capabilities.

As a pioneer in the payments innovation landscape, ZBD continues to transcend traditional financial boundaries, particularly in gaming, where it is already generating stable revenues with partners that include renowned companies such as Square Enix and 1047 Games. Moreover, its services have branched into diverse sectors like podcasting and ad tech, reinforcing ZBD's mission to ensure seamless and swift monetary exchanges in the digital realm.

In summary, ZBD’s receipt of the MiCAR license is not just a significant regulatory achievement; it’s a transformative step that positions the company as a frontrunner in shaping the future of digital payments across Europe. With its sights set on expansion and innovation, ZBD is poised to redefine the landscape of financial transactions as we know it.