Norwegian crypto exchange Firi has received MiCA approval from Norway's Finanstilsynet and is now an authorised provider of cryptocurrency trading across all EU/EEA countries. Sweden will be its next expansion market.
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MiCA – Markets in Crypto-Assets – is the EU's new comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto services, setting strict requirements for consumer protection, IT security, governance and anti-money laundering. From 1 July 2026, a MiCA licence will be mandatory for all exchanges and crypto providers wishing to operate within the EU and EEA. Fewer than 150 companies globally have so far obtained equivalent approval.
Founded in 2017, Firi has grown into the Nordics' largest crypto exchange with more than 400,000 users. With MiCA approval granted, the company is now an authorised provider of cryptocurrency trading across all EU/EEA countries.
"Being among the first in the Nordics to receive this licence is a clear confirmation that we have done something right. We believe crypto savings should be simple, safe and proper," says Thuc Tuan Hoang, CEO and co-founder of Firi.
Firi has held an e-money licence since 2024 — a separate requirement under the PSD2 framework for companies handling stablecoins.
With the licence in place, Firi is entering Sweden as its third Nordic market after Norway and Denmark. The launch is expected in the near term.
"This is a milestone we have worked towards for a long time. It confirms our commitment to building one of the safest and most innovative platforms for digital assets in Europe. Our ambition is for Nordic crypto investors to choose a regulated, Nordic platform they can trust," says Hoang.
MiCA imposes requirements on consumer protection, IT security, governance and anti-money laundering. For Firi's customers, the approval means the company is now subject to the same type of oversight as traditional financial institutions.
"For Firi's customers, the approval means greater security. We are now subject to the same type of supervision as traditional financial institutions," says Hoang.
From 1 July 2026, a MiCA licence will be a legal requirement for all crypto exchanges wishing to operate in the EU and EEA. Fewer than 150 companies globally have achieved equivalent approval to date — giving Firi a regulatory head start in a market where many players are still not qualified to operate once the framework takes full effect.
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