The Number of Licensed Cryptocompanies Has Increased in the EU

cryptonews.ruPublished on 2026-07-27Last updated on 2026-07-27

Abstract

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has expanded its register of licensed crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), adding 15 more companies. This third update since the end of MiCA's transitional period brings the total number of EU-authorized entities to 309. New licensees include both traditional financial sector players, such as BNY Mellon's Belgian subsidiary and three German banks, and dedicated crypto services like BitPay, Coinify, and Bleap. The update confirms the ongoing effort to standardize the crypto market under the EU's first unified regulatory framework, MiCA. Licensed firms can now operate across the entire EU without needing jurisdiction-specific approvals, streamlining market access. The inclusion of several major banks signals growing interest from traditional finance in digital assets.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has expanded the register of licensed Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs), adding another 15 companies to it. This is already the third update of the list after the end of the MiCA regulation transitional period. As a result, the total number of organizations authorized to operate under the European Union's new rules has already reached 309.

Among the new licensees are representatives of both the traditional financial sector and crypto-companies. The Belgian subsidiary of the American banking holding company BNY Mellon received permission. In addition, 3 banks from Germany were added to the register. Crypto services BitPay, Coinify, and Bleap also received CASP status.

The current update confirms that European regulators continue to bring the cryptocurrency market under unified operational standards. The MiCA regulation became the first pan-European regulatory framework that sets common requirements for crypto-asset service providers.

After the end of the transitional period, national supervisory bodies accelerated the processing of applications. Companies that meet the MiCA requirements gain the opportunity to operate not only in their country of registration but throughout the entire European Union. This relieves market participants of the need to undergo separate licensing in each jurisdiction.

The inclusion of several banks in the register indicates the growing interest of traditional financial organizations in digital currencies. Large credit institutions are gradually integrating crypto services into their products, adapting to the new requirements of European legislation. At the same time, specialized crypto platforms continue to receive licenses, aiming to maintain access to the EU market.

Trending Cryptos

CitreaCTR

wrapped stUSDTWSTUSDT

Velodrome FinanceVELODROME

ChangXin Technology: A Cyclical Stock Standing Atop the Cycle Peak

Changxin Technology: A Cyclical Stock at the Peak On July 27, 2026, Changxin Technology topped the A-share market with a market capitalization of 3.28 trillion yuan, surging 465% on its first trading day. The company, which lost 16.3 billion yuan in 2023, reported an estimated net profit of 50-57 billion yuan for the first half of 2026. Its dramatic reversal mirrors the volatile DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) cycle. The DRAM industry is inherently cyclical, with booms and busts every 3-4 years. This is due to product standardization and a significant time lag in supply adjustment. When prices rise, manufacturers expand capacity, but new production takes 2-3 years to come online, often leading to oversupply and price crashes when demand cools. Changxin's performance perfectly tracks this cycle. It recorded deep losses in 2023-2024 during the industry downturn, turned its first annual profit in 2025, and saw profits skyrocket in Q1 2026. This surge is primarily price-driven. The AI boom has led major players like Samsung and SK Hynix to shift 70-80% of new capacity to high-margin HBM (High Bandwidth Memory), creating a severe shortage and price explosion in general-purpose DRAM markets where Changxin competes. However, a massive global capacity expansion is underway. The top three manufacturers have announced nearly $70 billion in capital expenditure for 2026. Changxin itself plans to expand from three to seven 12-inch wafer fabs. This investment will translate into significant new supply in 2-3 years. While DRAM prices are expected to remain high through 2026-2027, price growth is already slowing, and a potential downturn is forecast for around 2028 as new capacity ramps up. A key challenge for Changxin is catching up in the critical HBM segment. While it has delivered HBM3 samples, leaders are already mass-producing more advanced HBM3E. Success in HBM is crucial for gaining true cyclical resilience. In conclusion, Changxin is a commendable company that has broken foreign monopolies in DRAM. Its long-term growth narrative—driven by import substitution and AI—is valid. Yet, its current valuation of 5-6x forward P/E, typical for a cyclical stock at its peak, suggests much future growth is already priced in. AI may extend the current cycle but cannot eliminate the industry's inherent volatility. For investors, the critical question is preparedness for the inevitable downturn when the cycle turns.

marsbit2m ago

ChangXin Technology: A Cyclical Stock Standing Atop the Cycle Peak

marsbit2m ago

SK Hynix's Most Profitable Quarter Ever: Why Did It Still "Miss Expectations"?

SK H力士 reported record-breaking financial results for Q2 2026. Revenue reached 79.32 trillion KRW (up 257% YoY), while operating profit surged to 60.54 trillion KRW (up 557% YoY). Despite this, the figures fell slightly short of market expectations, causing initial volatility in its stock price. Key factors behind the "miss" include a high proportion of HBM sales tied to long-term supply agreements, which limited profit elasticity during a period of rapid price increases for standard DRAM and NAND memory. The company's outlook remains optimistic. Management forecasts continued strong demand growth for DRAM and NAND in 2026, with no observed slowdown in AI-related investments. Progress on HBM4 shipments and next-generation product development remains on schedule. Furthermore, SK H力士 plans to maintain high capital expenditures, indicating confidence in future AI-driven storage demand. The market reaction highlights a broader debate: investors are less focused on past profits and more on how to price future growth. Bulls emphasize the ongoing AI infrastructure expansion, while bears express concerns about valuation and the sustainability of capital spending. The company's performance and strategy will continue to be a key focus in the semiconductor sector.

Odaily星球日报43m ago

SK Hynix's Most Profitable Quarter Ever: Why Did It Still "Miss Expectations"?

Odaily星球日报43m ago

What If the CLARITY Act Ultimately Fails to Pass?

This article examines the potential consequences if the CLARITY Act, a major US crypto market structure bill, fails to pass in the Senate. Having cleared the House in July 2025 and a key committee in May 2026, the bill's passage into law this year is now considered uncertain, with prediction markets showing its probability dropping from 82% in February to 35%. The article analyzes three main areas of impact should the bill fail. First, for the crypto market, analysts believe a negative reaction is limited and partially priced in already, with Bitcoin's recent weakness attributed more to macro factors. The specific details of the failed bill would matter more than its failure alone. Second, for US stocks, Coinbase (COIN) could see short-term pressure, with analysts citing a potential drop to the $140-$160 range, though its long-term thesis is not solely tied to the bill. For Circle, failure might be neutral or even positive long-term, as a passed bill could invite more stablecoin competition. Bitcoin-treasury firms like Strategy (MSTR) are seen as more directly tied to Bitcoin's price than the legislation. Third, in Washington, the failure is framed within a broader political struggle. Democratic resistance is partly linked to concerns over former President Trump's crypto holdings, making the bill a political tool. If it fails in 2026, the industry would likely rely on existing frameworks like the GENIUS Act and agency-level rules. Missing the August window likely pushes any significant progress to 2027, a period of political reshuffling after midterm elections, making consensus harder to achieve.

Odaily星球日报1h ago

What If the CLARITY Act Ultimately Fails to Pass?

Odaily星球日报1h ago

SK Hynix Q2 Profit Soars Sixfold, Still 'Misses Expectations'; Secures Long-Term Agreements with 10 Clients, HBM4 to Accelerate Volume Ramp in Second Half

SK Hynix reported record-breaking Q2 2026 financial results, with operating profit soaring 557% year-over-year to 60.5 trillion won and revenue increasing 257% to 79.3 trillion won, driven by strong demand for AI server memory, HBM, and enterprise SSDs. The operating profit margin reached 76.3%. However, both figures fell short of analyst expectations, leading to a drop in its share price. The company attributed the earnings miss to three factors: a high sales mix of HBM, which limited upside from surging prices of general-purpose DRAM; a deceleration in memory price increases compared to Q1; and long-term supply agreements (LTAs) with major customers that lock in prices, reducing sensitivity to spot market gains. SK Hynix has signed LTAs with about 10 clients, covering roughly half of its sales. Despite the miss, the company remains optimistic about AI-driven demand. Its net profit of 93.9 trillion won was significantly boosted by a one-time gain from the partial sale of its Kioxia stake. Financially, it strengthened its cash position, ending the quarter with a net cash position of 69.4 trillion won. Looking ahead, SK Hynix plans capital expenditures at the high end of its 40-50 trillion won range for 2026 to expand capacity for HBM and advanced NAND products, including accelerating the mass production of HBM4 in the second half of the year.

marsbit1h ago

SK Hynix Q2 Profit Soars Sixfold, Still 'Misses Expectations'; Secures Long-Term Agreements with 10 Clients, HBM4 to Accelerate Volume Ramp in Second Half

marsbit1h ago

Zcash says Ironwood proof rules out undetectable counterfeiting bugs

Zcash researchers have completed formal verification of Ironwood, a new shielded pool introduced via the NU6.3 upgrade. They published a machine-checked proof, written in Lean and comprising over 2,700 theorems, that establishes the pool's "balance integrity." This proof confirms that, under its cryptographic assumptions, Ironwood cannot contain undetectable counterfeiting bugs, ensuring it cannot pay out more value than has publicly entered it. The verification, which took multiple teams over a month, covers the zero-knowledge proof system, circuit rules, and ledger accounting but not Ironwood's separate privacy guarantees. Ironwood was created in response to a theoretical vulnerability in the older Orchard pool that could have allowed undetectable counterfeiting, though there's no evidence of exploitation. Funds migrating from Orchard must pass through a public "turnstile" checkpoint, designed to prevent any hypothetical excess coins from entering the new pool and to provide evidence on whether the old pool was exploited.

cointelegraph1h ago

Zcash says Ironwood proof rules out undetectable counterfeiting bugs

cointelegraph1h ago

Trading

Spot

Hot Articles

What is ₿O₿

Bitcoin Bob ($₿o₿): Pioneering Bitcoin-Centric DeFi Through Hybrid Layer-2 Innovation In an era where the digital economy is rapidly evolving, Bitcoin Bob ($₿o₿) emerges as a revolutionary project aiming to enhance Bitcoin's utility in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. Officially launched in May 2024, Bitcoin Bob, also known as Build on Bitcoin (BOB), represents a hybrid Layer-2 blockchain solution that melds Bitcoin’s renowned security and immutability with Ethereum's programmability. This initiative seeks to fill a crucial gap in the Bitcoin ecosystem by facilitating the integration of smart contracts and decentralized applications while maintaining the core principles of trust and security inherent to Bitcoin. With significant backing from prominent venture capitalists, Bitcoin Bob is positioned to redefine the role of Bitcoin in the DeFi landscape, making it a cornerstone of decentralized financial operations globally. What Is Bitcoin Bob, $₿o₿? At its core, Bitcoin Bob is a hybrid blockchain solution designed to enhance the functionality of Bitcoin. The main objective of the project is to enable decentralized finance on Bitcoin, facilitating swift and seamless transactions while ensuring high levels of security. Bitcoin Bob employs advanced technology, specifically a hybrid layer-2 architecture that combines Bitcoin's security attributes with the programmability and flexibility of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This pragmatic approach allows the project to operate effectively without compromising the fundamental values of Bitcoin, making it a monumental step in bridging the gap between traditional Bitcoin holders and the emerging DeFi ecosystem. One of the standout features of Bitcoin Bob is its role in providing a trust-minimized environment through innovative mechanisms, such as optimistic rollups initially relying on Ethereum, transitioning eventually to full Bitcoin integration. This hybrid system is designed to ensure that the vast liquidity present in Bitcoin is not only preserved but also utilized effectively in various DeFi protocols. Who Is the Creator of Bitcoin Bob, $₿o₿? The creative force behind Bitcoin Bob is co-founder and CEO Alexei Zamyatin, who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from his extensive background in the cryptocurrency space. Zamyatin holds a PhD in Computer Science and has been actively involved in Bitcoin development since 2015. His deep understanding of both Bitcoin and Ethereum ecosystems plays a crucial role in shaping Bitcoin Bob’s vision and technological underpinnings. Alongside Zamyatin is co-founder Dominik Harz, who serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Together, the duo has cultivated a team of talented individuals with a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology, ensuring Bitcoin Bob's innovative stature in the market. Who Are the Investors of Bitcoin Bob, $₿o₿? Bitcoin Bob has successfully garnered support from a range of prominent investors and venture capital firms that recognize its potential to transform the Bitcoin landscape. In March 2024, the project completed a robust $10 million seed funding round, led by Castle Island Ventures, with notable participation from firms like Coinbase Ventures and Bankless Ventures. Shortly afterward, in July 2024, Bitcoin Bob secured an additional $1.6 million in strategic funding. This round was co-led by Ledger Ventures and featured angels from various prominent firms such as BlackRock, Aave, and Curve. The strong financial backing reflects an industry-wide recognition of Bitcoin Bob’s innovative approach to unlocking Bitcoin’s potential in the DeFi space. This funding is crucial not only for the project’s continued development but also for establishing an incubator to foster Bitcoin-native decentralized applications (dApps) aimed specifically at meeting the needs of a growing user base. How Does Bitcoin Bob, $₿o₿ Work? The operational mechanics of Bitcoin Bob are rooted in its hybrid rollup architecture, which is designed to combine the benefits of Bitcoin's security with the versatility of Ethereum’s EVM. The project employs a phased security model that outlines its interaction with users and developers in the following manner: Phase 1 – The initial phase operates as an optimistic rollup on Ethereum, wherein transactions are processed with a promising expectation of validity, paving the way for future developments on Bitcoin. Phase 2 – As the project transitions, it will integrate Bitcoin finality through Bitcoin Staking, leveraging the Babylon Network to enhance security. This mechanism requires validators to lock up Bitcoin, thus verifying BOB transactions, which not only enhances security but also creates yield prospects for participants. Phase 3 – The forward-looking vision for Bitcoin Bob is to fully integrate with Bitcoin, using innovative technologies such as BitVM and zero-knowledge proofs to facilitate off-chain computation while retaining the security integrity of Bitcoin. Key innovations such as BitVM2, a trust-minimized bridge protocol co-authored by Zamyatin, are critical to the project's functionality, allowing for Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals without the need for extensive network reliance. This enables the ecosystem to efficiently connect with Ethereum and other compatible chains, creating a streamlined and effective interaction model for users and developers. Timeline of Bitcoin Bob, $₿o₿ Understanding the evolution of Bitcoin Bob involves tracking its important milestones: 2019: Alexei Zamyatin and Dominik Harz establish a research firm focused on blockchain solutions, laying the groundwork for future projects. March 2024: Bitcoin Bob successfully raises $10 million in a seed funding round, marking its entrance into the competitive blockchain landscape. May 1, 2024: The official mainnet launch occurs, showcasing the project’s capabilities with significant user adoption and total value locked (TVL). July 2024: The project attracts an additional $1.6 million in strategic funding for establishing its incubator, aimed at fostering Bitcoin-driven innovations. October 2024: Bitcoin Bob releases a “Vision Paper,” detailing its hybrid layer-2 design and forward-looking strategies. 2025: Expected rollout of Phase 2 features, focusing on Bitcoin finality and BitVM bridges aimed at enhancing overall functionality. Conclusion: Redefining Bitcoin’s Role in Decentralized Finance Bitcoin Bob ($₿o₿) is not just another blockchain project; it represents a paradigm shift in the way Bitcoin can interact with broader financial applications. By meticulously combining Bitcoin's security with Ethereum's flexibility, Bitcoin Bob aims to reshape the DeFi landscape, bridging the gap between digital currency and decentralized applications. With a robust technological framework, strong leadership, and strategic funding, Bitcoin Bob is well-positioned to establish itself as a fundamental player in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, unlocking new dimensions of liquidity and utility for Bitcoin. As the project continues to evolve and expand, it promises to usher in a new era of innovation, proving that Bitcoin's potential extends far beyond being a mere store of value, but rather as a cornerstone of the future financial landscape. As the project advances through its anticipated phases, all eyes will be on Bitcoin Bob, particularly regarding its commitment to incorporating decentralized principles and ensuring that users can enjoy the full benefits of DeFi anchored by Bitcoin.

83 Total ViewsPublished 2025.06.30Updated 2025.06.30

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of O (O) are presented below.