Dutch Fintech Quantoz Launches MiCA-Compliant Stablecoins with Backing from Industry Giants
In a significant move for the European digital assets landscape, Netherlands-based Quantoz Payments has unveiled two regulatory-compliant stablecoins, marking a new chapter in the region’s evolving cryptocurrency market. The company announced today the launch of EURQ and USDQ, stablecoins pegged to the euro and U.S. dollar respectively, with support from prominent industry players including Tether, Kraken, and Fabric Ventures.
The timing is particularly strategic, as the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is set to take full effect by year-end. Quantoz, operating under the supervision of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), has positioned itself as an early mover in the MiCA-compliant stablecoin space, having secured the necessary Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license.
Both stablecoins will operate on the Ethereum blockchain and are fully backed by a combination of fiat reserves and highly liquid financial instruments, including government bonds. In accordance with MiCA requirements, Quantoz maintains an additional 2% reserve on its balance sheet, with the primary reserves managed by an independent foundation under DNB oversight.
“We are bringing truly European-native stablecoins to market,” said Arnoud Star Busmann, CEO of Quantoz Payments. “The MiCA regulation introduces unprecedented trust in digital assets markets through its prudential requirements on stablecoin issuers.”
Trading of EURQ and USDQ will commence on November 21 on both Bitfinex and Kraken exchanges, offering eligible clients access to what promises to be a more efficient payment infrastructure. The company aims to facilitate faster, more transparent, and cost-effective settlements within the European Economic Area.
The launch comes at a crucial moment in the European stablecoin market, where established players like Circle’s EURC have already captured significant market share. Notably, while Tether has invested in Quantoz, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer has yet to secure its own MiCA license for USDT operations in Europe.
Anil Hansjee, General Partner at Fabric Ventures, highlighted the complexity of launching compliant stablecoins in Europe: “While MiCA provides clearer rules, very few players can execute at scale, considering the requirements for regulatory licenses, tier 1 banking partnerships, and sophisticated compliance infrastructure.”
This development represents a significant step toward regulated digital payment solutions in Europe, potentially reshaping how businesses and consumers interact with digital assets in the region’s largest single market.
