Europeans can get crypto exposure in two quite different ways: buying the coins on a crypto-asset platform, or trading crypto CFDs with a broker. Since MiCA, both are regulated – under different rulebooks.
MiCA in brief
The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1114) created an EU-wide licence for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) – exchanges, brokers and custodians. Its stablecoin rules applied from 30 June 2024 and its CASP rules from 30 December 2024. Firms already operating under national regimes could use a transitional period that ended no later than 1 July 2026. Once licensed in one member state, a CASP can passport its services across the EU, much like an investment firm.
MiCA brings authorisation, capital and governance requirements, rules on custody and segregation of client assets, white-paper disclosure for token issuers and rules against market abuse. It does not create an investor compensation scheme for crypto, and it does not make crypto less volatile.
Our register marks platforms with a MiCA licence on record – see crypto platforms.
Crypto CFDs
A crypto CFD is a derivative on the price of a coin. It falls under MiFID II, not MiCA, and for retail clients in the EU leverage is capped at 2:1 under ESMA's rules. You never own the coins, you pay financing to hold positions overnight – often significant for crypto – and you cannot move coins to your own wallet.
| MiCA platform | Crypto CFD at an EU broker | |
|---|---|---|
| You own the asset | Yes (held in custody or your wallet) | No |
| Leverage (retail) | Generally none | Max 2:1 |
| Going short | Rarely | Yes |
| Overnight costs | None for spot holdings | Financing charged |
| Compensation scheme | None for crypto assets | Investor compensation on client money if the broker fails |
The UK is different
The UK's FCA has banned the sale of crypto derivatives, including crypto CFDs, to retail consumers since January 2021. UK residents can buy crypto from FCA-registered firms, and the FCA opened retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes in October 2025.
Checking a crypto platform
- Look it up on your national regulator's register or ESMA's interim MiCA register of authorised CASPs.
- Check which entity serves you and where your assets are held.
- Be wary of platforms promoted through influencers promising returns, and of anyone asking you to send crypto to "unlock" withdrawals – see clone firms and scams.
This guide is general information, not personal financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change; we review this page regularly and show the date of the last update above. Found an error? Tell us. See our editorial policy.
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