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Highlights:
Lithuania has issued a clear warning to crypto service providers operating in the country. The Central Bank of Lithuania said every firm must secure a valid license by December 31. Any business without approval will operate illegally from January 1.
A transition window remains open for crypto exchanges and wallet providers already operating. Permission applications stay available until the end of this year. However, authorities see this phase as preparation time, not a reason for delays or incomplete compliance.
The Bank of Lithuania warned that domestic crypto asset service providers must obtain a license by December 31 or be deemed to be operating illegally and face penalties. The central bank said that from January 1, any entity continuing to onboard new users, receive crypto assets,ā¦
ā Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) December 26, 2025
The Bank of Lithuania, responsible for regulating the nationās crypto sector, has called on all service providers to obtain licenses without delay. Out of more than 370 registered firms, only around 120 are actively operating and reporting revenue. Surprisingly, less than 10%, about 30 companies, have applied for MiCA licenses so far. As a result, many active and registered firms remain at risk of regulatory action. After this deadline, Lietuvos Bankas will enforce strict measures, including fines, website restrictions, and potential criminal charges, with violations punishable by up to four years in prison.
Lietuvos Bankas asked firms unwilling to seek approval to plan a proper closure. Public notices stressed the need for orderly exits. Dalia JuÅ”keviÄienÄ addressed operators directly, stating: āParticipants of the crypto-asset services market that do not plan to continue their operations should not delay and launch active communication campaigns to ensure that all of their clients are properly and timely informed of the winding down.ā
JuÅ”keviÄienÄ emphasized that customer awareness must remain central during shutdowns. Therefore, users should receive clear timelines and guidance for fund transfers. Options should include moving fiat balances and crypto holdings to other platforms or personal wallets. Additionally, a separate notice reinforced client asset protection duties. It stated: āOperators should take all possible steps to ensure that assets belonging to their clients are returned before they are no longer authorized to provide crypto-asset-related services.ā As a result, regulators expect all client assets to be returned before service termination.
Europe is now putting MiCA rules into action. These rules set clear licensing standards and protect investors. As a result, unlicensed crypto operations will no longer be allowed, putting pressure on firms to comply.
Lithuania is not alone. Latvia is also working to become a Baltic gateway to MiCA. MÄrtiÅÅ” KazÄks, governor of Latvijas Banka, said the country has skilled talent, strong entrepreneurs, and a solid financial system. Therefore, Latvia has the potential to become a major European fintech hub.Ā
Global crypto platforms are responding quickly. KuCoin, one of the largest exchanges, recently became MiCA compliant after approval from the Austrian Financial Market Authority. Coinbase also acted four months ago, setting higher EU compliance standards with MiCA-approved whitepapers.
Big news for Europe, bigger news for the world!
KuCoin EU is now officially MiCAR-compliant and approved by the Austrian FMA! Secure, regulated crypto access is coming to the EU very soon.
The future of crypto is global and compliant. Letās go!
#KuCoin #MiCARā¦ pic.twitter.com/UgeQGRFJpf
ā KuCoin (@kucoincom) November 28, 2025
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