MiCA SERVICE · ARTICLE 3(1)(16)(J) · LAST UPDATED

What is "Transfer services" under MiCA Article 3(1)(16)(j)?

Transfer services is one of ten crypto-asset services defined by the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. 13 of the 13 MiCA-authorised crypto exchanges we track hold an authorisation for this service today.

What does "Transfer services" mean under MiCA?

Providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients

What does this service mean for me as a user?

The exchange can move crypto between addresses on your behalf, including off-platform withdrawals. The Travel Rule applies to these transfers.

Which exchanges hold a MiCA authorisation for Transfer services?

13 of the 13 MiCA-authorised crypto exchanges we track hold an authorisation that includes this service.

Provider Home Member State Authorised on Total services held
OKX Malta 8 of 10
Bitpanda Austria 7 of 10
Bitstamp Luxembourg 7 of 10
Coinbase Luxembourg 7 of 10
Gemini Malta 7 of 10
Kraken Ireland 7 of 10
Crypto.com Malta 6 of 10
Revolut Cyprus 6 of 10
Bybit Austria 5 of 10
KuCoin Austria 5 of 10
Coinmerce Netherlands 4 of 10
Trade Republic Germany 4 of 10
Bitvavo Netherlands 3 of 10

Sourced from the ESMA Register of Crypto-Asset Service Providers, retrieved 14 May 2026.

Where is this service defined in EU law?

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation - Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 - defines "Transfer services" in Article 3(1)(16)(j). An exchange must obtain a separate sub-authorisation for each MiCA service it wishes to offer; holding one service does not imply the others. National competent authorities issue these authorisations exchange by exchange and service by service.

What if my exchange does not hold this authorisation?

From , offering "Transfer services" to EEA residents without the corresponding MiCA authorisation is a breach of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114. Some exchanges hold a partial MiCA authorisation that excludes specific services; in those cases the exchange may continue to operate but is not legally allowed to offer the missing service to EEA residents.

What are the other MiCA services?

The full list of ten MiCA services defined in Article 3(1)(16):

  • Custody - The exchange holds your crypto in its own wallets, subject to MiCA's segregation rules.
  • Trading platform - Operating an order book where users place orders against each other.
  • Exchange for funds - Crypto-to-fiat conversion, such as BTC to EUR.
  • Exchange for crypto - Crypto-to-crypto conversion, such as BTC to ETH.
  • Order execution - Placing orders on third-party venues on behalf of clients.
  • Placing - Underwriting or distributing new crypto-asset issuances.
  • Order R&T - Receiving and transmitting orders to other venues for execution.
  • Advice - Personalised investment advice on crypto-assets.
  • Portfolio mgmt - Discretionary management of a crypto portfolio.

Sources cited on this page

  1. ESMA - Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and Register of CASPs
  2. Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (MiCA) on EUR-Lex

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