Bitpanda co-CEO Christian Trummer stated that the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework has increased retail user confidence in licensed cryptocurrency exchanges. Trummer noted that customers increasingly prefer the security of regulated custodians over self-custody options.
The grace period for existing crypto providers to secure authorization under MiCA concluded on July 1, 2026. Following this deadline, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has encouraged national regulators to take enforcement action against unauthorized operators within the European Union.
Bitpanda secured MiCA authorization from Germany's BaFin in January 2025 and from Austria's FMA in April 2025. These licenses allow the platform, which serves over 7 million registered users, to operate throughout the European Economic Area.
Christian Trummer returned to his role as co-CEO of Bitpanda on September 15, 2026. He is currently prioritizing infrastructure improvements and product quality for the company's user base while advocating for stricter regulatory oversight of non-compliant firms.
