EU CRYPTO REGISTER · AUTHORISED · LAST VERIFIED
Is Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange licensed under MiCA in the European Union?
Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange's European entity (Payward Global Solutions Limited) is recorded as an authorised Crypto-Asset Service Provider under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, with its authorisation issued by Ireland on 25 June 2025.
Verdict: Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange appears in the ESMA Register of MiCA-Authorised CASPs.
| Legal entity | Payward Global Solutions Limited |
|---|---|
| Home Member State | Ireland |
| National Competent Authority | Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) |
| Authorisation date | |
| Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) | 9845003D98SCC2851458 |
| Authorised services | Operating a trading platform |
Source: ESMA Register of Crypto-Asset Service Providers. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
About Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange
Kraken is a centralised, multi-asset crypto-asset exchange rather than a bank, custodian or asset manager. Public research describes the platform as operated by Payward LLC, a US company founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. Within the EU, the contracting and MiCA-relevant legal entity is Payward Global Solutions Limited, established in Ireland. Sources: kraken.com, Investopedia
The service centres on buying, selling and trading crypto-assets. Research indicates Kraken supports 600+ crypto pairs (including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP and stablecoins such as USDC and USDT) alongside custody, staking rewards and automated recurring buys (dollar-cost averaging). The platform supports EUR funding via SEPA. On its own website Kraken states it is 'wereldwijd vertrouwd door miljoenen' (globally trusted by millions) and markets both consumer and institutional offerings; these are the company's own statements, not independently verified figures. Sources: kraken.com, CoinGecko
On the legal point: the MiCA-relevant entity is Payward Global Solutions Limited, supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland. The authorisation in the record covers a single crypto-asset service under the ESMA classification - 'Operating a trading platform' for crypto-assets. That scope does not, on this record, extend to other distinct MiCA services such as custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients, exchange of crypto-assets for funds, or providing transfer, advice, portfolio management or placing services. Note that one research summary describes Kraken's EU CASP status as still under application as of mid-2026, so any authorisation should be confirmed directly against the regulator's register. Sources: kraken.com, Central Bank of Ireland
Which crypto services is Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange authorised to offer in the EU?
Under its MiCA authorisation issued by Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange (Payward Global Solutions Limited) is approved to provide the following services to EEA residents. Each service is defined in Article 3(1)(16) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114.
Which services is Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange not authorised to offer?
Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange's MiCA licence does not cover: Custody, Trading platform, Exchange for funds, Exchange for crypto, Order execution, Placing, Order R&T, Advice, Portfolio mgmt, Transfer services. These services may still be offered by other authorised providers, or by Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset 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:
Why is Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange licensed in Ireland?
The CBI's MiCA approach mirrors its strict banking-supervision posture. Kraken's Payward entities chose Ireland for their MiCA authorisation in June 2025. Source: Central Bank of Ireland (CBI).
| National Competent Authority | Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) |
|---|---|
| Investor compensation | Irish Investor Compensation Scheme up to €20,000. |
| Regulatory context | English-speaking, regulator-respected; expensive to establish. |
What does this mean for users of Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange in the EU?
If you transact through Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange's EEA-authorised entity (Payward Global Solutions Limited), 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 Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange's terms of service that your contracting entity is Payward Global Solutions Limited, not a non-EEA affiliate.
Which MiCA-authorised exchanges are alternatives to Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange?
Three MiCA-authorised providers to consider. Drawn from the ESMA register, never paid placement.
Related reading
Understand the regulatory context behind Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange's entry on the register:
Frequently asked questions about Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange and MiCA
Is Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange licensed under MiCA?
Yes. Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange appears in the ESMA Register of MiCA-Authorised Crypto-Asset Service Providers, with its authorisation issued by the competent authority of Ireland.
Which EU countries can Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset 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 Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset 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 Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset 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 Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset 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.