Solana-based blockchain payment platform, Zebec Network, has acquired Gatenox, a leading compliance and identity verification company. The acquisition comes as Zebec prepares to navigate stricter regulations in Europe and beyond, signaling a new era for Web3 finance. By bringing Gatenox’s expertise in-house, the company aims to make its payment systems faster, safer, and ready for global markets.
Zebec Acquires Gatenox, Prepares for MiCA
The acquisition comes at a critical time as the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation sets strict rules for crypto firms. Gatenox technology, which focuses on KYC, KYB, and AML compliance, was integrated to embed regulatory compliance directly into Zebec’s Web3 payment platform, abandoning third-party providers like Sumsub.
Zebec likely speculates on potential MiCA scrutiny, which will require aligning with the regulation’s stringent standards for transparency, consumer protection, and financial stability.
Neal Padhye, Zebec’s head of mergers and acquisitions, emphasized that “regulation is now infrastructure.” With Gatenox, the company may now enhance its AI-driven real-time screening, ensuring secure and compliant transactions. This positions Zebec to compete in tightly regulated markets like the European Union and the United Kingdom, where trust and compliance are non-negotiable for institutional clients.
Crypto Platforms Clamour for MiCA License
This latest development follows Zebec’s recent acquisition of Science Card, a UK-based platform for university research finance, showing its focus on expanding into specialized markets. By integrating compliance directly into its platform, Zebec can streamline business onboarding, making it easier for businesses to use crypto payments without regulatory headaches.
The company’s move to acquire Gatenox is a strategic step to meet these standards and pursue regulatory registration under MiCA and with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) later in 2025.
However, some firms have had opportunities opened up for them for acquiring the MiCA license, while others have had their operations “put paid to” following challenges with its requirements. For example, BitGo, a leading crypto custody firm, secured a MiCA license from Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). The approval allows the company to offer secure digital asset services across all 27 EU countries, marking a major step in its European expansion.
On the other hand, Stablecoin developer Ethena Labs has wound down all activities of its German subsidiary, following mounting regulatory pressure in Europe. The firm noted that it has ended its pursuit of the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) Regulatory License in Germany.
