Webull EU, a division of US-based brokerage firm Webull Corporation, has obtained regulatory approval under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) framework from Dutch authorities. This authorization enables Webull EU to introduce regulated crypto custody services within the Netherlands and marks a significant step toward pan-European expansion.
MiCAR authorization allows crypto services launch
The Netherlands’ financial regulator, Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM), granted Webull EU the license to offer crypto-asset services under MiCAR. With this approval, Webull EU will provide digital asset custody on its established investment platform, giving clients regulated access to cryptocurrencies alongside its traditional financial products.
While Webull will oversee customer asset custody, crypto trades on the platform will be handled by Coinbase Luxembourg S.A. Through this partnership, Webull avoids building proprietary trading infrastructure for digital assets, instead leveraging Coinbase’s capabilities to execute customer orders efficiently.
Andries van Luijk, CEO of Webull Securities (Europe), highlighted the importance of this milestone for the firm’s European growth. He emphasized the company’s commitment to security and compliance under the EU’s digital asset regulatory standards.
Andries van Luijk stated that the approval underscores Webull’s ambition to provide secure and compliant digital asset access tailored to the evolving European regulatory environment.
Following the MiCAR approval, Webull becomes one of the first investment platforms in the Netherlands to secure dual-regulation for both conventional assets and crypto custody. This reinforces its standing as a leading option for investors seeking digital asset services from established, regulated providers.
Mini dictionary: MiCAR stands for Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, the EU’s comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets and service providers, seeking to harmonize crypto regulations across member states and protect investors.
EU passporting planned for late 2026 rollout
Webull aims to initiate its crypto services in the Netherlands in late 2026. To offer services EU-wide, the company is pursuing passporting approval, a mechanism that allows licensed providers in one member state to expand operations throughout the European Union without needing additional national permissions.
The passporting process is considered critical for Webull’s broader rollout strategy, supporting plans to reach clients across multiple European markets under a single regulatory license. Until then, the MiCAR authorization limits service availability to the Dutch market.
| Platform | Initial Country | Crypto Custody | Trade Execution | EU Expansion Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webull EU | Netherlands | Webull | Coinbase Luxembourg | Yes (passporting) |
| Coinbase | Several EU states | Coinbase | Coinbase | Yes |
The MiCAR regulatory shift has already prompted other firms, such as Ripple and Bridge, to seek similar European approvals in response to increased demand for compliant services. Companies are accelerating licensing processes following the close of MiCAR’s transition phase, reinforcing the region’s new crypto compliance environment.
TradFi platforms embrace digital assets
Competition in Europe’s digital asset market is intensifying as more investment platforms align with regulatory standards. Webull’s move integrates crypto custody with existing investment services, aiming to attract investors who prefer to access digital assets through reputable financial service providers.
This trend underscores the convergence between traditional finance and digital asset markets, as established investment companies expand into the crypto sector with regulatory backing and trusted partner infrastructures.
