Financial technology company Bridge has secured two regulatory approvals from Luxembourg authorities, enabling expansion of its euro stablecoin payment infrastructure throughout the European Union. Backed by Stripe among its investors, Bridge obtained authorization as a crypto asset service provider under MiCA (the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation) as well as registration as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI).
Single regulatory framework for all EU markets
These dual licenses allow Bridge to operate under a unified regulatory structure across the EU’s 27 member states. As a result, the company can now offer compliant euro-denominated stablecoin payment tools to a broader range of corporate clients and financial technology platforms.
Bridge has confirmed that the authorizations encompass requirements for capital reserves, asset safekeeping, and operational security measures. Such criteria form key pillars of the EU’s recently overhauled regulatory framework for crypto assets.
Bridge stated that the new authorizations cover capital reserves, asset custody protocols, and operational security standards, enabling them to deliver stablecoin solutions within clear regulatory boundaries.
Bridge had already provided an infrastructure to facilitate conversion between stablecoins and the euro. With these new licenses, its services are expected to be significantly extended to software developers, fintech firms, corporate clients, and banks.
Custom euro stablecoins for enterprise clients
The company will also make it possible for enterprise customers to launch their own euro-backed stablecoins tailored to their specific use cases. These digital assets can be deployed in customer rewards, loyalty programs, fiat on- and off-ramp services, and in-app payments. This model may reduce the need for businesses to build their own reserve management and regulatory compliance systems from scratch.
Mini glossary: IBAN is an internationally standardized bank account number format. A virtual IBAN is a digital account identifier managed on behalf of users, streamlining the processing of money transfers.
Fintech companies will be able to offer virtual IBAN accounts issued in the name of end users through Bridge. In addition, euro accounts operating across all EU countries will be available. This infrastructure will help simplify cross-border money transfers and the associated back-end operations.
The new system allows companies to launch their own euro stablecoin models without establishing independent reserve management or compliance mechanisms.
MiCA ushers in a new era for stablecoins in Europe
Bridge’s licensing milestone comes as tightened stablecoin oversight under MiCA is taking effect across Europe. The regulation’s final phase went live on July 1, requiring licensed crypto platforms to support only those stablecoins that fully comply with MiCA guidelines.
The MiCA framework permits authorized companies to operate in any member state without seeking additional licenses, offering a clear path for growth across the EU to providers of stablecoin payment solutions.
Bridge is also advancing its international reach through payment partnerships. Visa announced in March that it aims to expand its collaboration with Bridge on stablecoin-enabled card products, targeting distribution to over 100 countries by the end of 2026.
