Specifically, Coinbase (COIN) has successfully registered with the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank – DNB) to allow it to offer its crypto products and services to clients in the Netherlands, the crypto exchange said on September 22. According to the announcement, this is “a significant milestone in Coinbase’s continued international expansion” as: In addition, the company stressed that it “views regulation of the industry as an ‘enabler’ for crypto’s growth, setting clear ground rules that will create an environment which encourages innovation and strengthens trust in the sector from both the public and policymakers.”

Focus on compliance

Commenting on the development, Coinbase’s International and Business Development VP Nana Murugesan highlighted the importance of the Netherlands for crypto expansion, as well as that his company “prides itself on being a compliance-led business.”  In his words: 

The Netherlands’ regulatory approval arrives as a moment of respite while the blockchain platform is facing a securities class action lawsuit before the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, where Coinbase stands accused of making false and misleading statements regarding its business, operations, and compliance policies. At the same time, Coinbase has been shaken by insider trading claims, accusing its former global product manager Ishan Wahi, alongside his brother, of wire fraud conspiracy to which they have both plead not guilty, as Finbold reported.