Latvijas Banka, Latvia’s central bank, has issued a dual crypto license to Noah LV SIA, a subsidiary of the UK-based Noah HQ Ltd. This authorization, granted under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, allows Noah LV SIA to operate as both a crypto-asset service provider and a payment institution, granting it passporting rights across the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).
The license, officially granted on September 30, 2026, enables Noah LV SIA to leverage its Latvian base to access the broader European market. Established in July 2026, the company’s move signifies a strategic positioning within the EU regulatory perimeter.
MiCA Framework and Passporting Rights
The EU’s MiCA framework establishes a harmonized regulatory environment for crypto assets. A MiCA license, such as the one issued to Noah LV SIA, grants authorized firms the ability to offer services in any EU or EEA country without requiring separate authorizations in each jurisdiction. This passporting mechanism is crucial for companies seeking to scale their operations across the bloc.
Latvia’s Strategic Role
Latvia’s active role in issuing these licenses aligns with a broader strategy to position the country as a fintech and crypto-friendly jurisdiction within the EU. The issuance of licenses to entities like Noah LV SIA, which has roots outside the EU, highlights Latvia’s function as a gateway for non-EU firms aiming to access the European market.
As of October 1, 2026, Latvijas Banka had issued a total of 12 MiCA licenses. This active issuance rate underscores Latvia’s commitment to facilitating compliant crypto operations and contributing to the EU’s objective of a regulated digital asset market.
Trend of Non-EU Firms Seeking EU Entry
Among the entities that have received MiCA-related authorizations in Latvia, BlockBen SIA was granted the first MiCA license in December 2025. More recently, on June 25, 2026, Bleap SIA received an approval with a narrower scope. The trend of UK firms, such as Noah LV SIA and Bleap SIA, seeking EU market access through Latvian authorizations suggests a pattern of companies establishing a base within the bloc to serve European customers under the new regulatory regime.
Why This Matters
The materials describe a narrow update: Latvijas Banka issued a license to Noah LV SIA, a subsidiary of UK-based Noah HQ Ltd, allowing it to operate as both a crypto-asset service provider and a payment institution under the EU’s MiCA regulations. Latvia’s approach fits a broader strategy of positioning the country as a fintech and crypto-friendly jurisdiction.
Broader Context
Source materials place the factual news in this context: The authorisation comes under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework, better known as MiCA. It is the bloc’s rulebook for crypto businesses that want to operate legally across member states.
