Kraken has acquired Coin Meester B.V. (BCM), one of the Netherlands’ longest-standing crypto broker firms, as part of its European growth strategy.

This move significantly strengthened Kraken’s position in the Dutch market and gave it registered Virtual Asset Service Provider status in France and Poland, according to a Kraken release.

The timing of this acquisition is important, as it aligns with the upcoming implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation on December 30, 2024. 

MiCA is the European Union’s first comprehensive regulatory framework, providing clarity and rules for the European crypto industry. It will require crypto service providers to follow strict standards, making it easier for businesses to operate across multiple EU countries under a single regulatory framework.

Kraken is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, where users can trade digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and others. 

Kraken’s goals

Kraken began acquiring BCM last year, aiming to establish a stronger presence in the European market, allowing it to offer services in countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, and Ireland.

Brian Gahan, Kraken’s Managing Director for Europe, emphasized that the acquisition will help Kraken expand its market share by offering clients access to over 200 digital assets and 24/7 support. The expansion will also enable Kraken to leverage its global reach while staying compliant with European regulations.

“We are one of the very few in Europe that can combine global scale with a compliant offering and a superior client experience. Our clients stand to benefit as we empower them with the premium trading and investing experiences needed to unlock crypto’s full potential.”

Brian Gahan, Kraken Managing Director Europe

This acquisition is a step toward consolidation in Europe’s fragmented crypto market as larger firms prepare to operate under MiCA’s unified rules.