Crypto Valley Afterwork - Austria's Crypto Advantage: MiCAR, Market Access
Event Overview
Date: Monday, 11 May 2026
Time: 18:00–21:00
Location: SHED Zug, Dammstrasse 16, 6300 Zug
About the Event
Austria is emerging as one of Europe’s most attractive gateways for crypto and blockchain companies seeking regulatory clarity, stability, and seamless EU market access.
With the implementation of the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), Austria offers a future-proof licensing framework, legal certainty, and a strong financial ecosystem — all from the heart of Europe.
Join the Austrian Business Agency – Invest in Austria, together with ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Zürich, Trust Square, and Inacta Ventures, for an exclusive panel discussion exploring why international crypto players are choosing Austria — and particularly Vienna — as their European headquarters.
What to Expect
First-hand insights from leading industry players such as Bybit EU, EY, and AMINA
Practical perspectives on MiCAR licensing and regulatory positioning
Strategic considerations for expanding into the EU market
High-quality networking with founders, investors, and decision-makers
Program
18:00 – 18:15 Arrival & Welcome
18:15 – 19:30 Opening, Panel Discussion & Q&A
19:30 – 21:00 Networking Apéro (drinks & appetizers)
Speakers & Perspectives
Moderation & Market Entry Perspective
Verena Gruber
Director Western Europe, Austrian Business Agency (ABA)
Verena leads international business engagement for ABA – INVEST in AUSTRIA, supporting companies expanding into Austria. With a background in international business development and fluency in German, English, and French, she brings a strong cross-border perspective on market entry and ecosystem building.
Government & Economic Relations
Patrick Sagmeister
Trade Commissioner, Austrian Embassy in Switzerland & Liechtenstein
Patrick heads Advantage Austria in Zurich, supporting Austrian companies in international expansion and fostering strategic partnerships with Swiss and Liechtenstein stakeholders. He represents Austria’s economic interests across high-level business initiatives and trade missions.
Ecosystem & Investment Perspective
Ralf Glabischnig
Founder, Inacta Ventures
Ralf is a pioneer of Crypto Valley and an active investor in blockchain and digital asset ventures. He brings deep insights into ecosystem development, venture building, and the evolution of institutional adoption in Web3.
Industry & Regulatory Implementation
Georg Harer
Co-CEO & Head of Legal & Compliance, Bybit EU
Georg oversees regulatory and compliance matters for Bybit EU and supported the establishment of its European headquarters in Vienna. With more than 10 years of experience as a banking and finance lawyer, he brings strong expertise at the intersection of regulation, technology, and crypto markets.
Legal, Regulatory & Compliance Perspective
Darko Stefanoski
Partner, EY
Darko Stefanoski is Partner in Legal, Regulatory & Compliance – Financial Services at EY Switzerland, where he leads the Digital Law Financial Services team. Based in Zurich, he advises Swiss and international financial institutions, fintechs, and digital asset businesses on licensing, regulatory frameworks, governance, compliance, and innovation-related legal matters. He brings extensive experience in FINMA authorization processes, cross-border banking, digital assets, blockchain, and MiCAR-relevant regulatory developments.
Banking & Institutional Adoption
Anastasios Koulouris
Managing Director, AMINA EU; Company Secretary, AMINA Bank AG
Anastasios Koulouris represents one of the leading regulated players in digital assets and brings valuable insight into MiCA implementation, institutional adoption, and operating within a compliant European crypto banking environment.
Why Austria
Discover how Austria combines:
Regulatory certainty under MiCAR
Access to over 450 million EU consumers
Political and economic stability
A rapidly growing fintech and crypto ecosystem
— making it a compelling alternative to traditional European hubs.