Blockrise says it secured a MiCAR licence for Bitcoin custody services across the EU

Blockrise says the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) granted it a licence under the European Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). The AFM’s crypto-asset service provider register is the public source for checking authorisations and notifications.

Rotterdam-based Blockrise, a crypto custody platform, has received official approval to provide financial services in the Netherlands and expand into Europe.

According to Blockrise, the AFM granted it a licence under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation.

With this MiCAR license, the Dutch company can offer its Bitcoin services across Europe with just one license.

Jos Lazet, CEO of Blockrise, says, “This license shows that our Bitcoin services have matured. Institutional investors and wealthy individuals want to invest in Bitcoin, but they prefer dealing with regulated companies that offer transparency and security. Now that we have the MiCAR license, we can grow our presence in the European market.”

Blockrise focuses solely on Bitcoin, meaning they do not offer any other cryptocurrencies.

“Choosing Bitcoin-only was logical given its market dominance and lower volatility. It also simplifies our proposition for clients,” says Lazet.

Bitcoin-backed loans

The licence, if confirmed in the public register, would allow Blockrise to compete with traditional financial institutions offering Bitcoin-related services.

Over the past year, demand for new Bitcoin-related services has surged, particularly for Bitcoin-backed loans—credit facilities secured by Bitcoin collateral.

“Our clients asked us to provide loans using Bitcoin as security, and we quickly developed this service ourselves,” Lazet says.

Blockrise says it will offer the loan option to corporate clients, with loans available from €20,000.

Blockrise says clients retain ownership of their Bitcoin and that the service meets MiCAR requirements.

Aims to raise €15M

Earlier this year, Blockrise raised €2M in its first round of funding from venture capital firms and angel investors to support its growth. The company says it is preparing to raise an additional €15M.

Lazet adds, “We are working hard to become the leading Bitcoin-only platform in the European Union, and we want to attract investors who believe in our vision for Bitcoin.”

Blockrise: Crypto custody platform

Blockrise is a crypto custody platform that serves investors of all types, helping them secure and manage cryptocurrencies with ease.

Its services include secure storage and investment strategies, with transparency.

Blockrise has worked to establish higher standards in crypto security and compliance. In 2022, the company received registration from the Dutch Central Bank, marking a key step in its development.

Blockrise describes its product as a custody platform combining security with trading and portfolio-management tools, and says clients retain control over their digital assets.