ZBX has obtained a MiCA CASP license, positioning the company within a limited group of fully regulated crypto infrastructure providers in Europe. The certification arrives as the European Union's MiCA framework transitions crypto payment services toward mandatory licensed operations.
ZBX exited its retail segment to concentrate on B2B clients, including institutional investors, iGaming operators, fintech firms, and family offices. The company developed its regulated infrastructure over a seven-year period before widespread MiCA compliance demand emerged. Co-founder Dave Pulis noted that the conclusion of the MiCA transition period has effectively ended the previous operating model for hundreds of European VASP firms, prompting market participants to seek licensed partners for independent compliance.
Infrastructure Compliance and Risk Management
Licensed infrastructure requires continuous AML procedures, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and complete operation records for regulatory review. Unlicensed providers frequently cannot verify fund origins or document specific transactions during audits. ZBX addresses these requirements by holding client assets with licensed custodians and maintaining additional insurance coverage.
Pulis stated that operators bear responsibility for their payment partners' activities, making infrastructure stability a priority over processing fees.
Industry participants typically evaluate licensed solutions after encountering frozen funds, partner insolvencies, or asset losses. The cost premium for regulated services is offset by reduced legal and operational exposure. Before selecting a crypto payment partner, Pulis recommends verifying AML and monitoring workflows, confirming asset storage arrangements, and reviewing payment system integration capabilities.
Information was provided during an episode of the Odys Podcast: The High Stakes Growth Show.