Austria Issues First Published MiCA Fine Against Crypto Platform Bitpanda

Austria’s financial regulator has handed crypto exchange Bitpanda a 70,000 euro penalty for breaching the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation, marking the first published final decision of its kind under the framework.

Regulator Cites White Paper and Marketing Violations

The Austrian Financial Market Authority said Bitpanda failed to submit a required crypto-asset white paper to regulators at least 20 working days before publishing it, a step mandated under MiCA rules. The company also released a marketing communication before the white paper itself had been made public, according to the regulator’s findings.

Missing Disclosures Add to the Penalty

A separate marketing communication reviewed by the FMA was found to be missing key mandatory disclosures. It failed to state that the material had not been reviewed or approved by a competent authority, and did not clarify that the crypto-asset provider held sole responsibility for its content. The communication also lacked a required contact telephone number and email address.

Case Resolved Through Expedited Process

The proceedings against Bitpanda were handled under an expedited procedure, and the regulator’s decision is now final, leaving no further appeal in this instance. Bitpanda has not yet responded to requests for comment on the penalty.

Part of a Broader EU Framework

MiCA established a unified regulatory structure for crypto assets across all EU member states, covering disclosure requirements, marketing standards, and authorization rules for companies operating in the space. The framework has been central to how European regulators oversee crypto firms since its rollout, with authorities across the bloc gradually enforcing its provisions.