Finst Review 2026: Lowest-Fee MiCA Exchange

Quick Overview - Pros and Cons

Here is what we like and what could be improved about Finst based on our in-depth analysis.

Overview - Who is Finst?

Finst B.V. is a Dutch cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in Amsterdam, founded in 2021 by former executives from DEGIRO - Europe's largest retail broker. The founders brought their expertise in building low-cost, user-friendly financial platforms to the crypto space.

Finst positions itself as the "lowest-fee MiCA exchange" in Europe, targeting cost-conscious investors who want regulatory certainty without paying premium fees. In July 2025, Finst obtained full MiCA CASP authorization from the Dutch AFM (Authority for Financial Markets), allowing it to operate across all 30 EEA member states.

Fees and Costs

Finst's fee structure is simple: 0.15% flat fee per trade. No maker/taker distinction, no hidden spreads, no custody fees, no minimum amounts.

For a 1,000 EUR trade, Finst charges just 1.50 EUR vs 2.50 EUR at Bitvavo or 5.00 EUR at Coinbase. Over time, these savings compound significantly for active investors.

Regulation and Security

Finst takes security seriously with multiple layers of protection:

• MiCA AFM Licensed: Full CASP authorization from the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets (July 2025). This license is passported across all 30 EEA member states.
• Fireblocks Custody: Institutional-grade custody solution used by major financial institutions worldwide.
• bunq Bank: Client EUR deposits are held at bunq, a Dutch licensed bank, fully segregated from company funds.
• Proof of Reserves: Finst publishes regular Proof of Reserves audits, allowing users to verify that customer assets are fully backed 1:1.
• Segregated Assets: Client crypto and fiat are legally separated from Finst's operational funds.

Asset Selection

Finst offers 340+ cryptocurrencies for trading, covering all major assets (BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, ADA, etc.) plus a solid selection of altcoins. While this is less than Binance's 350+, it covers the vast majority of investor needs.

Staking: Finst offers staking with yields up to 10% APY on supported assets. This is competitive with other MiCA-compliant exchanges and provides a way to earn passive income on holdings.

User Experience

The Finst platform reflects its DEGIRO DNA: clean, intuitive, and focused on simplicity. The web interface is designed for investors who want to buy and hold crypto without complexity.

Key features:

• One-click buy/sell for major cryptocurrencies
• Clear portfolio overview with P&L tracking
• Simple staking activation
• SEPA instant deposits (free)
• Multi-language support (Dutch, English, German, French)

Note: As of 2026, Finst is primarily web-based without a dedicated mobile app. This may be a limitation for users who prefer mobile-first trading.

Who Is Finst For?

Finst is ideal for:

• Cost-conscious EU investors who want the lowest possible fees
• Long-term holders who value security and simplicity over advanced features
• Staking-focused users looking for competitive yields on a regulated platform
• Beginners who appreciate clean UX without overwhelming options
• Dutch/Belgian users who want a local, MiCA-licensed alternative

Finst is not ideal for active traders who need futures, leverage, or advanced order types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

Finst delivers on its promise: the lowest fees in Europe with full MiCA compliance. The 0.15% flat fee is genuinely competitive, and the ex-DEGIRO team brings credibility and experience in building retail investment platforms.

The main trade-offs are the smaller asset selection (340 vs 350+ on Binance), lack of advanced trading features, and no mobile app yet. For investors who prioritize cost-efficiency and regulatory certainty over advanced tools, Finst is an excellent choice.

Recommendation: If you're a cost-conscious EU investor looking for a simple, secure, and cheap way to buy and hold crypto, Finst deserves serious consideration.