EU CRYPTO REGISTER · AUTHORISED · LAST VERIFIED
Is GCEX|GC Exchange licensed under MiCA in the European Union?
GCEX|GC Exchange's European entity (GC Exchange A/S) is recorded as an authorised Crypto-Asset Service Provider under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, with its authorisation issued by Denmark on 12 December 2025.
Verdict: GCEX|GC Exchange appears in the ESMA Register of MiCA-Authorised CASPs.
| Legal entity | GC Exchange A/S |
|---|---|
| Home Member State | Denmark |
| National Competent Authority | |
| Authorisation date | |
| Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) | 254900TM3KOYH0SY8V19 |
| Authorised services | Exchange for funds, Exchange for crypto, Order execution, Transfer services |
Source: ESMA Register of Crypto-Asset Service Providers. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
About GCEX|GC Exchange
GCEX is an institutional digital-asset prime brokerage rather than a consumer crypto exchange. Its website describes the business as a 'Digital Prime Brokerage' serving 'Institutional and Professional Traders', offering trading, conversion and liquidity across digital assets and currency exchange. GCEX states it operates as a CASP under MiCA and also references an FCA authorisation (FRN 828730) and a VARA licence in Dubai. According to research summarising the group, GCEX was founded in 2018, is led by founder Lars Holst, and runs a London global headquarters alongside its Danish office. Sources: GC Exchange, GCEX LinkedIn
The MiCA-authorised contracting entity is GC Exchange A/S, established in Denmark and supervised by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet). This is the legal entity that holds the EU crypto-asset service provider authorisation under MiCA, and its website displays the reference 'FSA CASP (MiCA 10901)'. The service is positioned for institutions, brokers, funds and professional traders rather than for retail individuals. Sources: GC Exchange, GCEX LinkedIn
Under that MiCA authorisation, the ESMA register lists GC Exchange A/S as authorised for the exchange of crypto-assets for funds, the exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets, the execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients, and the transfer of crypto-assets. The authorisation does not extend to other MiCA services such as custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients, the placing of crypto-assets, the operation of a trading platform, the reception and transmission of orders, providing advice on crypto-assets, or portfolio management. As an institutional prime broker, GCEX does not market retail-style features such as custodial savings accounts, staking, recurring purchases or a crypto card. Sources: GC Exchange, GCEX LinkedIn
Which crypto services is GCEX|GC Exchange authorised to offer in the EU?
Under its MiCA authorisation issued by Denmark, GCEX|GC Exchange (GC Exchange A/S) is approved to provide the following services to EEA residents. Each service is defined in Article 3(1)(16) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114.
-
Exchange of crypto-assets for funds
The exchange offers crypto-to-fiat (e.g. BTC to EUR) and fiat-to-crypto conversion. Authorisation here implies MiCA's pricing transparency requirements.
-
Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets
The exchange offers crypto-to-crypto trading (e.g. BTC to ETH). Required for most spot trading pairs not denominated in fiat.
-
Execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients
The exchange can place orders for you on third-party venues (smart-routing). Less common in retail crypto; relevant for brokerage-style services.
-
Providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients
The exchange can move crypto between addresses on your behalf, including off-platform withdrawals. The Travel Rule applies to these transfers.
Which services is GCEX|GC Exchange not authorised to offer?
GCEX|GC Exchange's MiCA licence does not cover: Custody, Trading platform, Placing, Order R&T, Advice, Portfolio mgmt. These services may still be offered by other authorised providers, or by GCEX|GC Exchange under a different regulatory framework (for example, derivatives may fall under MiFID II rather than MiCA). Source: ESMA Register, retrieved 30 June 2026.
See other MiCA-authorised exchanges by service:
What does this mean for users of GCEX|GC Exchange in the EU?
If you transact through GCEX|GC Exchange's EEA-authorised entity (GC Exchange A/S), the protections introduced by MiCA apply to your relationship from onwards. In practical terms this means: client crypto-assets are ring-fenced from the exchange's own funds (Article 70 MiCA), the authorised entity holds prudential capital, has formal complaint-handling procedures, and is subject to transparency obligations on fees and order execution. Source: Regulation (EU) 2023/1114.
One thing to verify yourself: the legal entity you contract with day-to-day must match the entity in the ESMA register. Some global exchanges operate multiple legal entities under one brand. Confirm in GCEX|GC Exchange's terms of service that your contracting entity is GC Exchange A/S, not a non-EEA affiliate.
Which MiCA-authorised exchanges are alternatives to GCEX|GC Exchange?
Three MiCA-authorised providers to consider. Drawn from the ESMA register, never paid placement.
| Provider | Home Member State | Authorised | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaric Securities | Bulgaria | 9 services | |
| OKX | Malta | 9 services | |
| Kraken | Ireland | 8 services |
Related reading
Understand the regulatory context behind GCEX|GC Exchange's entry on the register:
Frequently asked questions about GCEX|GC Exchange and MiCA
Is GCEX|GC Exchange licensed under MiCA?
Yes. GCEX|GC Exchange appears in the ESMA Register of MiCA-Authorised Crypto-Asset Service Providers, with its authorisation issued by the competent authority of Denmark.
Which EU countries can GCEX|GC Exchange serve under this licence?
A MiCA authorisation in one EEA member state permits passporting across all EEA member states, subject to a notification process to each host-state regulator.
Are my crypto-assets on GCEX|GC Exchange protected under MiCA?
MiCA introduces ring-fencing of client crypto-assets, prudential capital requirements for the authorised entity, complaint-handling obligations, and conduct rules. It does not provide a deposit-guarantee scheme equivalent to bank deposit insurance.
What's the difference between the authorised entity and the global brand?
Some global exchanges operate multiple legal entities. The MiCA authorisation applies only to the specific legal entity in the ESMA register, not to the global brand. Verify the contracting entity in GCEX|GC Exchange's terms of service.
Where can I check the official record?
The ESMA register publishes the authoritative list and updates it weekly. The direct link to GCEX|GC Exchange's entry is on this page under 'Sources'.
Sources
This page is updated weekly. Last verified . If you believe any information on this page is inaccurate, write to our contact page.