Crypto market maker Acheron Trading achieves EU MiCA approval, becoming the first to obtain a CASP license as a dedicated crypto entity.
In a significant move for the European crypto market, Acheron Trading, a leading crypto market making firm, has received a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This makes Acheron Trading the first dedicated CASP-licensed market maker in Europe.
The CASP license allows Acheron Trading to offer its services across the European Union, marking a significant expansion for the firm. Acheron Trading's CEO, Laurent Benayoun, stated that Europe is a strategic market for the firm and the first unified regulatory framework for crypto positions Europe as a first mover in the industry.
The approval comes less than a year after the appointment of Daniel Lo as the firm's Chief Legal Officer, who played a crucial role in the licensing process. Acheron Trading's leadership team, consisting of experts in mathematics, computer science, economics, risk management, legal and regulatory matters, has extensive experience from Goldman Sachs, PwC, UBS, Macquarie Group, and successful entrepreneurial ventures.
Since the MiCA regulation came into effect on 30 December 2024, only a few crypto companies have been granted a CASP license by the AFM. Acheron Trading's commitment to transparency, countering manipulative practices, and promoting market integrity is evident in their mission to provide liquidity for the benefit of all market participants.
The newly-secured CASP license is an embodiment of Acheron Trading's commitment to the future of the crypto industry, according to Daniel Lo. The firm also works in close partnership with issuers to promote transparency in the industry.
As of July 2025, following the implementation of the EU MiCA regulation, a number of crypto companies have been authorized to operate across the European Union. Notable CASP license holders include Coinbase, Kraken, OKX, Robinhood, and BBVA, among approximately 39 crypto firms licensed in the EU.
Acheron Trading can be followed on X and LinkedIn for regular company updates. For more information about Acheron Trading, visit acherontrading.com. The firm is also pursuing licenses in other jurisdictions in accordance with global efforts for greater regulation in the crypto space.
Exclusive comments from Laurent Benayoun and Wesley Pryor are available upon request.
The CASP license obtained by Acheron Trading allows them to expand their services across the European Union, capitalizing on the strategic market position of Europe. With Europe leading the industry as the first unified regulatory framework for crypto, Acheron Trading, in partnership with issuers, is promoting transparency, fighting manipulative practices, and advocating for market integrity in the digital finance sector, utilizing advanced technology from their team of experts with backgrounds in mathematics, computer science, economics, risk management, legal, and regulatory matters, previously from companies like Goldman Sachs, PwC, UBS, Macquarie Group, and entrepreneurial ventures.
