Crypto Licenses/Ireland (MiCA)
🇮🇪 EU MiCA CASP License

Ireland MiCA CASP License

Obtain a European Union crypto-asset service provider license through Ireland's MiCA framework — with full EU passporting rights and access to one of the world's premier financial services ecosystems.

Supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) — Ireland's competent authority for MiCA CASP authorization with published supervisory guidance.

License Overview

What is an Ireland MiCA CASP License?

A MiCA CASP license authorizes a company to provide regulated crypto-asset services from Ireland and throughout the European Union through MiCA passporting rights. MiCA became fully applicable to CASPs throughout the EU on 30 December 2024. Authorized activities may include:

Crypto-to-fiat exchange services
Crypto-to-crypto exchange services
Custody and administration of crypto-assets
Operation of crypto-asset trading platforms
Execution of crypto-asset orders
Reception and transmission of orders
Crypto portfolio management
Crypto-asset advisory services
Placement of crypto-assets
Transfer services for crypto-assets
Brokerage activities
Institutional digital asset services
Key Advantages

Why Ireland?

EU Passporting Rights

One of the most significant advantages of an Ireland MiCA license is the ability to passport authorized crypto services throughout the EU and EEA from a single authorization.

Global Financial Services Hub

Ireland is home to global asset managers, payment institutions, EMIs, international banks, fintech companies, technology firms, investment funds, and structured finance vehicles.

Respected Regulatory Environment

The Central Bank of Ireland is widely regarded as one of Europe's most sophisticated financial regulators and has established a dedicated MiCA authorization process with published supervisory expectations.

Access to Banking & Payments Infrastructure

Ireland provides access to SEPA payment infrastructure, EMI partnerships, banking institutions, institutional custodians, payment processors, and treasury service providers.

Technology & Digital Asset Ecosystem

Ireland hosts significant operations for many of the world's largest technology companies, creating a favorable environment for blockchain, fintech, and digital asset innovation.

Premier Funds & Asset Management Hub

Ireland is among the largest fund administration and investment fund jurisdictions globally, making it attractive for tokenized funds, digital asset investment products, and institutional crypto platforms.

Capital Requirements

MiCA Capital Requirements

MiCA establishes minimum own-funds requirements depending upon the services being provided. Beyond minimum requirements, the Central Bank expects firms to demonstrate sufficient operational resources, governance, risk management, and financial resilience.

Class 1 CASP

€50,000

Practical: €50,000 – €150,000+

Advisory services, portfolio management, order reception/transmission, placement, transfer services.

Class 2 CASP

€125,000

Practical: €125,000 – €500,000+

Custody and administration, crypto-to-fiat exchange, crypto-to-crypto exchange, order execution.

Class 3 CASP

€150,000

Practical: €150,000 – €1,000,000+

Operation of a crypto-asset trading platform.

Requirements

Key Regulatory Requirements

Corporate Structure

  • Irish incorporated entity
  • Registered office in Ireland
  • Corporate governance framework
  • Appropriate ownership structure
  • Legal Entity Identifier (LEI)

Local Substance

  • Physical office in Ireland
  • Local management
  • Compliance personnel
  • Operational staff
  • Board oversight

Governance & Management

  • Fit-and-proper directors
  • Qualified senior management
  • Risk management framework
  • Internal controls
  • Compliance function
  • AML Officer

Compliance Framework

  • AML/KYC policies
  • Transaction monitoring
  • Travel Rule implementation
  • Sanctions compliance
  • Customer due diligence
  • Complaints handling
  • Outsourcing controls

Operational Resilience

  • Cybersecurity framework
  • ICT governance
  • Business continuity planning
  • Incident response procedures
  • DORA readiness
  • Vendor management controls

Financial Requirements

  • Minimum own funds
  • Financial projections
  • Liquidity planning
  • Client asset safeguarding
  • Overhead capital planning
Common Use Cases

Who Uses This License

Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Launch regulated crypto exchanges serving customers throughout Europe.

Institutional Custody Providers

Provide safeguarding, custody, and wallet infrastructure services.

OTC Trading Desks

Operate regulated brokerage and liquidity businesses.

Stablecoin Infrastructure

Support treasury management, settlement, and payment workflows.

Tokenized Asset Platforms

Facilitate tokenized securities, private credit, funds, RWAs, and digital investment products.

Wealth Management Platforms

Offer crypto portfolio management and advisory services.

Institutional Digital Asset Services

Serve banks, family offices, hedge funds, and institutional investors.

Our Services

Scope of Services

We provide end-to-end advisory and implementation services for obtaining and operationalizing an Ireland MiCA CASP license.

Phase 1

Regulatory Strategy & Structuring

  • Business model analysis
  • MiCA classification review
  • CASP activity determination
  • Ireland vs. alternative EU jurisdictions comparison
  • EU passporting strategy
  • Corporate structuring recommendations
Phase 2

Ireland Company Formation

  • Irish company formation
  • Shareholder structuring
  • Director appointments
  • Governance implementation
  • Registered office coordination
  • Local substance planning
Phase 3

Compliance Framework Development

  • AML/KYC policies
  • Transaction monitoring procedures
  • Travel Rule framework
  • Sanctions compliance
  • Risk assessment methodology
  • Internal controls
  • Compliance manuals
Phase 4

CASP Application Preparation

  • Program of operations
  • Business plan development
  • Financial projections
  • Governance documentation
  • Capitalization planning
  • Regulatory correspondence
  • Application management
Phase 5

Banking & Payments Infrastructure

  • EMI introductions
  • Banking introductions
  • SEPA infrastructure planning
  • Stablecoin treasury architecture
  • Custody provider introductions
  • Fiat settlement workflows
Phase 6

Operational Launch Support

  • Terms of service
  • Customer agreements
  • Risk disclosures
  • Vendor onboarding
  • Compliance training
  • Regulatory reporting support
  • Ongoing advisory services
Infrastructure

Banking & Financial Infrastructure Support

A MiCA license is only one component of building a successful digital asset business. We assist clients with:

Banking introductions
EMI relationships
SEPA connectivity
Stablecoin treasury architecture
Custody integrations
Liquidity provider introductions
Fiat on-ramp/off-ramp solutions
Cross-border payment infrastructure
Institutional counterparty introductions
Ireland Advantages

Why Entrepreneurs Choose Ireland

Strong Institutional Credibility

Ireland is one of Europe's most respected financial centers and offers substantial credibility with institutional counterparties.

Premier Funds Hub

Ireland is among the largest fund administration jurisdictions globally, attractive for tokenized funds and institutional crypto platforms.

Access to Global Talent

Ireland provides access to highly qualified professionals in financial services, compliance, technology, risk management, banking, and payments.

Strategic EU HQ Location

Many multinational technology, fintech, and financial services firms maintain European headquarters in Ireland.

Why Us

Why Entrepreneurs Choose Blockrunner

Deep Regulatory Experience

We advise on crypto, payments, securities, banking, and digital asset regulations globally.

Payments & Banking Expertise

We operate at the intersection of digital assets, banking, payments, compliance, and capital markets.

End-to-End Execution

From licensing and compliance to banking, custody, tokenization, and operational launch — comprehensive implementation support.

Multi-Jurisdictional Licensing Expertise

Ireland MiCA CASP
Cyprus MiCA CASP
Lithuania MiCA CASP
Estonia MiCA CASP
Latvia MiCA CASP
Poland MiCA CASP
El Salvador DASP
Bermuda DABA
BVI VASP
Seychelles VASP
Antigua VASP
Curaçao VASP
Switzerland SRO Structures
Canada MSB
U.S. MSB & state money transmission frameworks
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who regulates CASPs in Ireland?

The Central Bank of Ireland serves as the competent authority responsible for authorizing and supervising CASPs under MiCA.

Can an Ireland CASP serve customers throughout Europe?

Yes. MiCA authorization generally provides passporting rights throughout the EU and EEA.

What is the minimum capital requirement?

Depending upon the services offered, MiCA generally requires minimum capital of €50,000, €125,000, or €150,000.

Does Ireland require local substance?

Yes. Industry guidance and Central Bank expectations indicate that firms should maintain meaningful operational presence and substance in Ireland.

How long does the licensing process take?

Most industry participants estimate approximately 6–12 months depending upon the complexity of the application, business model, and regulator review timelines.

Why do institutional crypto businesses choose Ireland?

Ireland combines EU passporting rights, a sophisticated financial services ecosystem, global banking connectivity, strong regulatory credibility, and access to institutional counterparties.

Launch Your European Crypto Business with Blockrunner

Whether you are launching a crypto exchange, custody platform, OTC desk, tokenized asset marketplace, stablecoin infrastructure provider, tokenized fund, or institutional digital asset business — an Ireland MiCA CASP license can provide a powerful gateway into the European market.