Your exchange is winding down in the EU under MiCA: how to get your funds out
MiCA's transition period ended on July 1, 2026 — and over 80% of exchanges without a CASP license never got authorized. That means mass geo-restrictions, forced withdrawals with deadlines and a fresh wave of "pending review" freezes. If your exchange sent a wind-down notice, act on this plan while you still have access.
Why this is happening now
On July 1, 2026 the MiCA transition window closed (full detail in MiCA from July 1, 2026). Exchanges without CASP authorization can no longer serve EU clients. In practice a platform either exits the EU entirely or restricts clients with an "EU footprint": KYC with EU-country documents, EU IP, EU cards/IBAN, residence address.
Step 1. Identify your scenario
A. "We're ending service, withdraw by date" email
Best case — you have a window. Goal: withdraw cleanly without triggering AML screening. See step 2.
B. Access already restricted (withdrawals down)
Trading/deposits off, withdrawal "temporarily unavailable". Needs the right support request + patience. Step 3.
C. Withdrawal frozen "pending review" / asked to prove source
This is an AML freeze, not just a geo-exit. Needs documents and, for large sums, an independent forensic. Step 4.
Step 2. How to withdraw cleanly (while the window is open)
- Don't split into many small withdrawals — breaking a large sum into dozens of transfers is a classic AML trigger. A few large within limits beats 50 small ones.
- Withdraw to your own verified address, not a random one. Check the destination first with our free checker so you don't send funds to a blacklisted/sanctioned address.
- Keep proof of source now: statements, deposit history, TxIDs. If the new venue asks "where are the funds from", this saves weeks. Ready skeleton — Source of Funds template.
- Where to: your own non-custodial wallet, or a venue with a valid CASP license / outside the EU perimeter. Don't rush onto the first platform — check its status.
Step 3. If withdrawals are limited but it's not yet an AML freeze
Write only to official support (in-app/website) — no Telegram "helpers". Clear request: your status, balance, withdrawal request citing the EU wind-down. Log the ticket number. Silence for 2–3 weeks → escalate with a written statement referencing their own wind-down notice. Tone and structure — in first 24 hours after a freeze.
Step 4. If asked to prove source or your withdrawal is frozen
This is an AML review, not a geo-exit. The core question is "prove where the funds came from". The party with a documented, data-backed position wins — not the one arguing emotionally:
- Assemble the chain: bank/exchange → your wallet → their platform (statements + TxIDs).
- For meaningful sums — an independent forensic report: it shows what the exchange's AML engine sees and gives a verified position instead of arguing blind.
- One consistent story across all communication. Contradictory explanations are the top cause of drawn-out denials.
What NOT to do
Don't trust promises to "unlock via contacts at an EU regulator" or "guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee" — that's a scam. No one can guarantee it: the exchange's compliance decides. Never give anyone your seed phrase or passwords. Don't try to "run" problem funds through a new exchange — you inherit the risk.
How we can help
We don't promise "guaranteed unblocking" — that's our principle. What's real: a free assessment of your scenario, address risk checks, and if needed an independent forensic report plus help building a verified compliance position. Start with the free case assessment or an address check — we answer honestly even when the answer is "you don't need us". How we work — here.