OKX Europe Report Highlights Widespread Use Of Unregulated Crypto Exchanges Ahead Of MiCA Deadline

by
Alisa Davidson

Published: May 29, 2026 at 9:27 am Updated: May 29, 2026 at 9:27 am

by Anastasiia O

Edited and fact-checked:
May 29, 2026 at 9:27 am

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OKX Europe, the European division of the global cryptocurrency exchange OKX, has published new analysis indicating that a large share of crypto activity in Europe is still taking place on unregulated trading platforms. 

According to the findings, 60% of users in Europe continue to use exchanges without regulatory approval, while 41% of crypto app downloads over the past 12 months were attributed to platforms lacking a valid MiCA licence. The data comes as the end of the MiCA transitional period approaches on July 1, leaving approximately five weeks before enforcement begins.

Out of a total of 18.5 million crypto app downloads recorded across Europe, around 7.6 million were linked to exchanges operating without MiCA authorisation. The analysis is based on Sensor Tower download data covering the period from May 2025 to May 2026, combined with information from thecryptoregister.com, an independent database of MiCA-authorised providers compiled using data from ESMA and national regulatory authorities.

Regulatory transition and market implications

Once the transitional period concludes, exchanges that have not obtained MiCA authorisation will be considered non-compliant under European Union law. While users may not yet experience immediate changes, platforms without approval could be required to scale down operations or face regulatory enforcement after July 1. In such cases, users would be expected to transfer their digital assets to exchanges operating under MiCA licensing.

The ESMA MiCA register remains publicly accessible at esma.europa.eu, allowing users to verify whether a given exchange is authorised, operating under transitional arrangements, or unlicensed. The registry is positioned as a transparency tool for users to assess the regulatory status of service providers.

“European crypto users may not know their exchange is operating without a MiCA licence and time before enforcement begins is running out,” said Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe in a written statement. “7.6 million app downloads in Europe last year going to unlicensed platforms is just the tip of the iceberg; many of these exchanges will have users who have been using their platforms and apps for years. There are five weeks left until the MiCA transition period ends. Every European crypto user should spend two minutes checking before the deadline so they can decide for themselves where and when to move their assets before platforms are forced to offboard them.”

OKX is described as a global fintech company focused on digital asset markets, serving more than 120 million users worldwide. Its services span spot trading, futures, and decentralised markets, along with exchange and wallet infrastructure used by both retail and institutional participants.

The company maintains a presence across multiple jurisdictions, including offices in the United States, Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore, as well as additional locations in São Paulo, Hong Kong, Türkiye, and Australia. Over recent years, OKX has positioned itself as a regulated fintech operator with a focus on compliance across global markets.

Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in crypto, AI, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.

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