Webull gets EU crypto approval to launch digital assets

Webull, the online investment platform owned by NASDAQ-listed Webull Corporation, has secured EU crypto approval from the Dutch financial regulator, according to the company announcement. The approval allows Webull to offer cryptocurrency assets to investors across the European Union, marking a significant expansion of the company’s existing stock and options trading business.

The authorisation comes under MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), the European Union’s comprehensive rulebook for digital asset services that came into effect in December 2023. Webull received its approval from the AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten), the Dutch regulator, and the company describes itself as one of the first dual-regulated investment firms to achieve EU crypto approval under this framework.

Why this matters now and what makes it significant

Until now, European retail investors using Webull could trade stocks and ETFs, but cryptocurrency was off limits. The EU crypto approval removes that barrier. Instead of moving money to a separate crypto exchange (where they might face different rules or less protection), Webull users can now manage stocks, bonds, options and digital assets all from one account. This is strategically important because it reduces friction: investors no longer need to juggle multiple logins, separate custody arrangements or different security procedures.

The regulatory pathway itself is the story here. MiCAR created a standardised licensing system across all 27 EU member states, meaning a firm approved in one country can eventually passport (extend permission) to others. Webull received initial approval for the Netherlands but still awaits passporting approval for the rest of the EU. This two-step process actually protects both the firm and consumers by ensuring each regulator can audit compliance before expansion. The company will launch its cryptocurrency service in late 2026, several months from now, suggesting it is building out operational infrastructure rather than rushing to market.

How the mechanics work and what happens next

When a Webull user in the EU wants to buy Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency, their order flows through the Webull platform but settlement happens through a partnership with Coinbase Luxembourg S.A., a regulated crypto custodian. This is critical: Webull is not holding the digital assets itself in the traditional sense. Instead, it is the execution and order-routing layer, while Coinbase Luxembourg (which is itself regulated) manages the actual custody and security of the coins. This separation of functions protects users because if Webull faced financial difficulty, the crypto holdings would remain ringfenced with the independent custodian.

For context, Webull operates in 16 markets globally and serves more than 27 million registered users. Europe represents growth territory where crypto ownership remains lower than in the United States but is climbing. By embedding digital assets into its existing trading interface (which already offers charting tools, real-time data and fractional share trading), Webull is betting that convenience and regulatory certainty will convert curious European investors into active traders. The MiCAR framework provides that certainty by mandating investor protection standards, operational resilience requirements and transparent fee disclosures that vary little between member states.

Will EU crypto approval lead to more brokers offering digital assets?

Yes. Other European investment platforms are moving through the MiCAR approval process and several major brokers have signalled intent to offer crypto. The regulatory path is now clear, costs are known, and competition will intensify as approval timelines shorten and more firms receive EU crypto approval. Smaller, crypto-native exchanges may face pressure to formalise their operations to match the compliance and investor protection standards that traditional brokers can now meet.

What this means for you

The main takeaway is that European investors now have more choice and consolidation in how they access digital assets, with stronger regulatory oversight than exists in many other regions. Here is what matters for different reader groups:

• If you are already a Webull user in Europe: You will soon be able to add crypto to your existing portfolio without switching platforms. This simplifies account management and means your crypto holdings benefit from the same regulatory protections (investor compensation schemes, conduct rules, audit trails) as your stock holdings. When the service launches in late 2026, check whether your country qualifies under the initial Netherlands approval or if you need to wait for passporting.
• If you are comparing European brokers: EU crypto approval is becoming a basic feature to expect rather than a novelty. As more firms gain MiCAR authorisation, differentiation will shift to fees, coin selection, user interface and how tightly the crypto service integrates with traditional assets. Webull’s advantage is that it already has a large user base and advanced trading tools; the risk is that other established brokers (banks and interactive brokers) may offer the same service with stronger brand trust.
• If you hold crypto in non-regulated venues: The launch of EU crypto approval at major brokers is a signal that regulatory oversight is consolidating. This tends to reduce flash crashes and custody fraud, but it also means less anonymity and more tax reporting requirements. Moving holdings to a regulated platform improves security at the cost of transparency to tax authorities.

Thewealthora has in-depth guides on how MiCAR regulation works, how to compare crypto custodians, and what investor protections are available under EU rules. See our learning centre for detailed explainers on digital asset regulation and how to evaluate brokers for security and compliance.

Go deeper on Thewealthora

• Bitcoin ETF inflows hit six-day streak as flows stabilise
• Crypto community faces enforcement crackdown in Malaysia
• Bitcoin ETFs hit five-day winning streak as BTC breaks $65k

Originally reported by Cryptocurrency News. Facts verified; analysis and wording are Thewealthora’s own.

Arpit Soni

The Thewealthora desk covers markets, money and personal finance, with zero jargon and every claim sourced.