Boerse Stuttgart Digital has become the first German provider of crypto asset services to receive an EU-wide MiCAR license with the crypto custody company Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody GmbH. For the leading infrastructure provider for cryptocurrencies and digital assets in Europe, this is a milestone that lays the foundation for the further expansion of its international offering for banks, brokers and asset managers.

 

What is MiCAR?

The "Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation", or MiCAR for short, is a regulation at the European level that creates a uniform legal framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets in all EU member states. The aim is to promote innovation in the crypto market while also regulating and stabilising it in order to protect private and institutional investors.

MiCAR, which came into force on the 29th of June 2023, replaces many fragmented national regulations that had emerged in recent years and in many places brought uncertainty and hurdles for all parties involved. In short, with the uniform regulation, the European Commission is laying the foundation for the regulation of cryptocurrencies and digital assets in the European Union.

 

Moving away from a fragmented crypto market towards a harmonised one

From issuance to trading to custody of digital assets, MiCAR introduces comprehensive and harmonised standards that result in increased market transparency and reduced regulatory risks.

The most important points of the MiCAR Regulation are:

• Transparency and disclosure obligations: Issuers and service providers must provide clear and comprehensive information on their crypto offerings.
• Authorisation and supervision obligations: "Crypto Asset Service Providers" (CASPs) are subject to strict licensing and ongoing supervision by the relevant authorities.
• Investor and consumer protection: MiCAR strengthens the protection of investors through regulations that are intended to prevent unfair market practices and market abuse, among other things.

For example, the regulations on the authorisation and supervision of CASPs came into full force on the 30th of December 2024. You can find more detailed information about the advantages and background of MiCAR in the blog article by Michael Kirschmayer, Senior Policy Advisor Regulatory & Governmental Affairs at Boerse Stuttgart Digital.

 

First MiCAR license in Germany for Boerse Stuttgart Digital

In addition to the EU regulations, the basis for German MiCAR licenses in Germany is the national accompanying law "Financial Market Digitization Act" (“Finanzmarktdigitalisierungsgesetz” in German), FinmadiG for short. The regulations, officially referred to as the "Act on the Digitalisation of the Financial Market", were adopted on the 27th of December 2024.

It has therefore been possible to obtain MiCAR licences in Germany since the beginning of 2025. Boerse Stuttgart Digital was the first German service provider of crypto asset services to overcome this hurdle and has consolidated its position as a leading, regulated infrastructure provider for institutional investors with the EU-wide license under MiCAR.

Dr. Matthias Voelkel, CEO of Boerse Stuttgart Group, on the pioneering role of Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody GmbH, which has received the license as a crypto custodian from Boerse Stuttgart Digital: "Securing the MiCAR license marks a significant milestone for the Boerse Stuttgart Group. Building on this foundation, we will broaden Boerse Stuttgart Digital’s offerings with integrated solutions for financial institutions across Europe, accelerating the internationalization and structural growth of our digital business."

 

Trendsetting, positive impact on crypto adoption in Germany and Europe

MiCAR is a necessary opportunity for the entire European crypto market and the right step to further advance the adoption of cryptocurrencies and digital assets in Europe. The associated license will enable crypto asset service providers such as Boerse Stuttgart Digital to offer their services on the crypto market (brokerage, exchange and custody of cryptocurrencies and digital assets) throughout the EU and thus address institutional investors across borders.

This is also emphasised by Dr. Oliver Vins, Managing Director and Chief Regulatory, Operating & Financial Officer of Boerse Stuttgart Digital: "The licensing of Boerse Stuttgart Digital underscores our commitment to shaping transparent, secure, and regulated crypto markets."

This not only strengthens the confidence of market participants – the MiCAR licence primarily makes Boerse Stuttgart’s modular infrastructure solutions even more attractive for institutional investors. Especially for banks, asset managers and family offices, the MiCAR-compliant infrastructure offers regulated trading and custody of cryptocurrencies and digital assets.

"As a regulatory pioneer, we can now provide investors and institutional partners across Europe with simple and reliable access to cryptocurrencies", says Dr. Oliver Vins, explaining the new advantages and adding with regard to Germany's market position in a European comparison: "The issuance of the MiCAR license, just a few weeks after the adoption of the required national legislation, also enhances Germany's overall competitiveness in the European crypto market.”

 

Regulation of the market as a driving force

MiCAR in general and the license granted in particular are decisive steps for Boerse Stuttgart Digital, as a subsidiary of the Boerse Stuttgart Group, in expanding its range of integrated and customised solutions along the value chain of cryptocurrencies and digital assets.

As a bank, broker, family office or asset manager, do you want to provide your investors with simple, secure and regulated market access? With the one-stop-shop solution from Boerse Stuttgart Digital this is exactly what you can do. We would be happy to explain the possibilities and how you and your clients can benefit from MiCAR in a non-binding meeting. We look forward to it!