In an business nonetheless haunted by collapses, volatility, and regulatory whiplash, few firms are daring to take a compliance-first strategy to crypto growth. Fewer nonetheless are doing so with a long-term view on infrastructure, licensing, and client belief.
However one fintech is taking the highway much less traveled — and making a compelling case for why crypto’s subsequent chapter in Europe gained’t be written within the clouds of hypothesis, however on the bottom of regulation.
Meet Wirex: a British-founded digital funds firm that, over the previous decade, has quietly developed from early crypto startup into probably the most internationally licensed platforms within the house.
The rationale is easy, however the implications are sweeping: as MiCA, the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Belongings regulation, reshapes how the digital asset economic system capabilities throughout 30+ member states, Wirex is betting that being early, compliant, and current on the bottom would be the profitable system.
This isn’t a take a look at market. It is a long-term play.
“The crypto business can’t afford to maintain improvising,” stated Pavel Matveev, Co-founder of Wirex. “We’re transferring right into a part the place what issues isn’t just product innovation— however regulatory readability, operational resilience, and person safety. That’s why Italy.”
Why Italy — and Why Now?
Whereas world rivals proceed to hedge their regulatory publicity, Wirex is opting in. In 2025, the corporate made a decisive transfer — choosing Italy as its European crypto base to guide operations throughout the European Financial Space (EEA).
From licensing and authorized structure to product growth and compliance, Milan is now Wirex’s crypto nerve heart for the EEA.
It’s a calculated transfer. Whereas France, Germany, and the Netherlands dominate fintech media protection, Italy has emerged as a practical, innovation-tolerant jurisdiction. By specializing in making a balanced regulatory setting that encourages fintech experimentation whereas guaranteeing client safety, Italy is positioning itself as a gorgeous various for startups and buyers looking for stability with out compromising on innovation.
Market Panorama in Italy
Italy’s fintech sector is likely one of the fastest-growing in Europe. As of 2023, the nation was house to 622 fintech and insurtech startups, with roughly 15% being overseas firms. Notably, the Fintech District group in Milan represents over 300 firms, accounting for greater than 60% of the nationwide market.
Regardless of a difficult funding setting, Italian fintech startups raised €174 million in 2023, reflecting an 81% decline from the earlier 12 months. Nonetheless, there was a noticeable restoration in This autumn, indicating resilience within the sector.
On the identical time, the crypto market is gaining vital traction. In 2024, roughly 2.7 million Italians held digital property, representing 7% of the web inhabitants aged 18 to 75. This marks a 118% improve in customers in comparison with 5 years prior.
This hole between consciousness and adoption indicators large untapped potential — a market that Wirex is now well-positioned to serve.
Fintech Panorama and Regulatory Standing
Italy’s attraction isn’t nearly market measurement — it’s about infrastructure. The federal government has taken significant steps towards constructing a accountable innovation ecosystem. It was one of many first EU nations to embrace clear tips for crypto property, with MiCA implementation now properly underway.
On 13 September 2024, Italy printed Legislative Decree No. 129, implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on markets in crypto-assets (MiCAR). This decree introduces a complete regulatory framework for crypto-asset service suppliers (CASPs) working in Italy, changing the prevailing guidelines on digital asset service suppliers (VASPs).
Whereas the nation initially proposed growing the capital features tax on cryptocurrencies from 26% to 42%, this plan confronted sturdy opposition. Lawmakers and stakeholders argued such a transfer might drive crypto actions underground. Because of this, the federal government determined to take care of the 26% price in 2025, with a deliberate improve to 33% in 2026 (Reuters, Cryptonomist).
For Wirex, this readability is a aggressive benefit — not a compliance burden.
Extra Than Market Entry: A Case Research in Compliance-Pushed Development
Wirex has all the time centered on making crypto helpful in the true world — prioritising practicality over passing developments. For customers in Italy, meaning a product that’s each modern and intuitive: a crypto card that works with Visa and Mastercard, the power to handle each fiat and digital currencies in a single app, and a user-friendly interface constructed with compliance in thoughts. As Italy prepares to totally implement MiCA, Wirex is providing an answer that’s prepared for on a regular basis use — and prepared for the longer term.
That dedication to utility isn’t only a mission assertion — it’s backed by milestones. In 2015, Wirex launched the world’s first crypto-enabled card, letting customers immediately convert crypto into fiat at checkout. Since then, the platform has develop into a principal member of each Visa and Mastercard, processed over $20 billion in transactions, and grown a worldwide person base of greater than 6 million folks throughout 130+ nations.
And belief isn’t only a precept — it’s a metric. A 2024 survey by Consensys revealed that 94% of Italians are acquainted with the time period “cryptocurrencies,” but solely 49% declare to know how they work. Amongst those that don’t make investments, 60% cited volatility, 54% pointed to rip-off dangers, and 41% stated they didn’t know the place to start.
By grounding itself in compliance and person training, Wirex has the chance to bridge this belief hole and construct a long-term relationship with Italian shoppers.
The corporate’s dedication to transparency hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2025, it was named a finalist on the ICA Compliance Awards Europe — a uncommon feat in a sector that also struggles with regulatory skepticism.
“Belief is the true foreign money in crypto,” added Pavel Matveev, Co-founder of Wirex. “And belief is earned by regulation, licensing, and person safety — not slogans.”
What’s Really Being Inbuilt Milan
Wirex’s Milan workplace isn’t a again workplace. It’s a construct web site for the way forward for compliant crypto throughout Europe.
The staff contains veterans from banking, compliance, and fintech — folks centered on turning crypto from buzzword to spine. And the mission is evident: to supply infrastructure that makes digital property usable, spendable, and protected.
“Crypto’s subsequent wave in Europe gained’t be led by rebels,” commented Matveev. “It is going to be led by firms that deal with crypto not as a product — however as a regulated infrastructure.”
Wirex is already licensed within the UK, with crypto registrations throughout Europe and APAC. However its Italian pivot is greater than operational. It’s philosophical. It’s a vote of confidence in Europe’s regulated future — and in Italy’s function as a gateway to it.
Whether or not others observe this mannequin stays to be seen. However one factor is evident: in a world of regulatory uncertainty, Wirex is selecting the sluggish, regular, and strategic path.
And in the long term, that could be the one path that issues.