The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has granted Blockrise a license under the new European MiCAR regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation).
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Rotterdam-based Blockrise, a crypto custody platform, has received official approval to provide financial services in the Netherlands and expand into Europe.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) granted Blockrise a license under the new MiCAR rules (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, states, “This license displays 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 focutilizes 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,” states Lazet.
Bitcoin-backed loans
The granting of the MiCAR license puts pressure on traditional financial institutions to reconsider their Bitcoin-related offerings.
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 questioned us to provide loans utilizing Bitcoin as security, and we quickly developed this service ourselves,” Lazet states.
Starting this week, Blockrise will offer this new loan option to all corporate clients, with loans available from €20,000.
Clients can keep their Bitcoin ownership, ensuring it won’t be utilized for other purposes. This service also 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. With the MiCAR license in hand, Blockrise is now 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, supporting 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 has built a custody platform that combines security with trading and portfolio management tools. Clients retain full control over their digital assets at all times, reflecting the company’s focus on accountability and trust in crypto asset management.
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