Acheron Trading Makes History
Acheron Trading has made history by becoming the inaugural crypto market maker to receive a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license, allowing it to operate under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations across the European Union. This significant milestone was confirmed through a press release distributed to crypto.news, detailing that the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) granted the CASP license to the Singapore-based firm. As a result, Acheron Trading is now officially listed in both the AFM’s public records and the European Securities and Markets Authority’s registry.
Importance of CASP Licensing
Prior to Acheron’s achievement, no dedicated crypto market-making firm had secured a CASP license under the current MiCA framework. Since the introduction of these regulations, the AFM has only awarded CASP licenses to four firms as of January 2025. The licensing process is critical for crypto firms operating in the EU. As stipulated by the AFM, all companies registered with the De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) are required to obtain a CASP license from the AFM or an equivalent European supervisory authority by June 30, 2025, to maintain their operations.
Acheron Trading’s Growth and Vision
Founded in 2018, Acheron Trading has established itself as a reputable entity in the crypto space, trusted by over 400 issuers for the distribution of their assets into the market. According to Laurent Benayoun, the company’s CEO, there has been notable growth in crypto adoption within Europe, attracting a diverse range of investors, including retail, corporate, and institutional participants. This phenomenon presents a lucrative opportunity for market makers engaging with the EU market.
Benayoun expressed optimism about the future, anticipating that more CASP service providers, particularly exchanges, will emerge in the near future, thereby unlocking the complete potential of the crypto market within the EU.
Additionally, Acheron Trading has plans to extend its licensing efforts to other regions, aligning itself with the global movement towards enhanced regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency industry. The MiCA regulations came into effect on December 30, 2024, requiring crypto entities to be licensed in order to operate in Europe.
