Crypto Trading Firm Acheron Obtains First CASP License under MiCA Regulations in the European Union, Positioning as Initial Market Maker in Digital Assets
In a significant development for the European crypto industry, Acheron Trading, a leading crypto market making firm, has received a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This makes Acheron Trading the first dedicated CASP-licensed market maker in Europe.
Laurent Benayoun, CEO of Acheron Trading, expressed his enthusiasm about Europe's strategic position in the crypto market and the unified regulatory framework of MiCA, which he believes makes Europe a first mover in the industry. Wesley Pryor, the founder of Acheron Trading, added that the firm is looking forward to offering comprehensive coverage for partners around the world.
The AFM, taking a leading role in license issuance after the transition periods ended by mid-2025, has granted CASP licenses to 11 crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) operating in the Netherlands. These companies, while not exhaustively listed here, include notable crypto-native companies and fintechs that also operate in the Netherlands or have obtained relevant authorization there. Examples include Coinbase, Kraken, Bitpanda, OKX, Bitstamp, N26, Trade Republic, eToro, Robinhood, BBVA, Clearstream, and CACEIS.
Acheron Trading's mission is to provide liquidity for the benefit of all market participants while addressing unfair practices and promoting transparency. The firm mandates transparency and collaboration in its everyday operations to counter manipulative practices and promote market integrity. Acheron Trading's leadership team consists of experts in mathematics, computer science, economics, risk management, legal, and regulatory matters, with experience from Goldman Sachs, PwC, UBS, Macquarie Group, and successful entrepreneurial ventures.
In addition to its operations in the Netherlands, Acheron Trading is seeking licenses in other jurisdictions to align with global efforts for crypto regulation. The authorization will be included in the public registers held by AFM and ESMA.
For more information about Acheron Trading, visit acherontrading.com.
[1] European Union, "Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA)," European Commission, accessed June 1, 2025, https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/banking-and-finance/digital-finance/regulatory-framework-crypto-assets/markets-in-crypto-assets-mica_en
[2] Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets, "Crypto-Assets Service Provider (CASP) License," accessed June 1, 2025, https://www.afm.nl/en/supervision/markets/crypto-assets/crypto-asset-service-providers-casps/crypto-asset-service-provider-license
- In light of Europe's proactive stance in cryptocurrency regulation, Acheron Trading, havings secured a CASP license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), will now deliver financial news to partners worldwide, using advanced technology to ensure market integrity and transparency in cloud-based business activities.
- The AFM's decisive action in granting CASP licenses to notable firms, such as Coinbase, Kraken, Bitpanda, and Acheron Trading, marks a significant step forward in Europe's contribution to the global finance industry, paving the way for future technology innovations and robust operations in the crypto market.
