Finst and MiCA: the smart, Dutch regulated platform

With the introduction of the European crypto regulation MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), the wheat has finally been separated from the chaff. From 1 July 2026, no exchange may legally offer crypto services within the EU without a valid license. For Dutch investors that is good news, because platforms that have their affairs in order can finally make the difference. One of the most notable names in that story is Finst — a relatively young Dutch platform founded by former DEGIRO employees.

What is MiCA and why does it change everything?

MiCA requires every crypto provider to obtain a CASP license (Crypto-Asset Service Provider) from a national regulator. In the Netherlands that is the AFM (Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets). A MiCA license means a platform meets strict requirements regarding asset segregation (your crypto and euros are kept separate from company assets), capital buffers, security and governance comparable to traditional financial institutions, and transparency about costs and risks.

As with other MiCA licenses, the passporting principle applies: an AFM license gives Finst the right to be active in all 30 countries of the European Economic Area. For a Dutch investor there is an added benefit: supervision is exercised by a regulator from their own country, in Dutch, under Dutch law.

Who is Finst?

Finst was founded in 2022 by Julien Vallet and Marcel Putina, both from the core team of DEGIRO — the broker that turned the Dutch investing world upside down with low fees and a user-friendly platform. That transfer of DNA is clearly noticeable: Finst positions itself emphatically as the keenly priced, reliable alternative.

In July 2025, Finst obtained the MiCA license from the AFM. The platform now serves both retail and institutional investors in 30 European countries. In early 2026, Finst also raised 8 million euros to accelerate its European expansion. The platform is now approaching 100,000 verified users and processes several billion euros in trading volume annually — impressive for a platform that is not yet four years old.

What makes Finst stand out?

The strongest selling point is the price. Finst charges a flat transaction fee of 0.15%, and deposits and withdrawals in euros are free. According to Finst itself, its rates are up to 82% lower than at some competitors. For anyone who trades regularly, that difference adds up considerably. Where many large international platforms use opaque cost layers, Finst deliberately opts for one clear rate.

Despite the focus on simplicity, the offering is anything but sparse: 340+ cryptocurrencies (including, of course, BTC and ETH), flexible staking with returns up to 12% APY, and Crypto Bundles — ready-made baskets for those who want to invest in a diversified way without selecting each coin themselves. Those Bundles are a typical example of DEGIRO thinking: making investing accessible to people who do not follow the market all day.

Finst is under direct supervision of the AFM and is thus one of the Dutch platforms with MiCA approval. For those who value a point of contact in their own country and Dutch-language support, that is an important argument.

Why is now the right time to switch?

First, the MiCA deadline of 1 July 2026 is approaching: after this date, platforms without a license are illegal within the EU. Anyone still on an unregulated platform would do well to move in good time rather than under time pressure. Second, cost savings add up: every transaction at a lower rate directly yields return, and over a year the difference with Finst's flat 0.15% can mount up considerably. Third, the recent capital injection and the rapidly growing user base show that Finst is not standing still — a platform that invests in growth and compliance is usually a safer long-term choice.

What should you watch out for?

Finst is a relatively young platform with a shorter track record than established international names, and some advanced trading features (such as extensive derivatives or professional trading tools) are less comprehensive than at the largest exchanges. For the seasoned day trader, a larger platform may be a better fit. But for the retail investor who wants to buy, hold and stake crypto in a simple, keenly priced and regulated way, Finst is exactly strong.

Conclusion

Finst combines three things that rarely come together in the current market: a real MiCA license from the Dutch AFM, strikingly low and transparent costs, and a user-friendly approach that stems from the DEGIRO DNA. With the 1 July 2026 deadline in sight, this is the moment to ask yourself whether you are better off with a Dutch, regulated alternative that also saves you money on every transaction.

Source: Finst, Crypto Insiders, EU-Startups