ESMA Adds 37 Crypto Firms to MiCA Register After Transition Ends

financefeeds.com5 min read
ESMA Adds 37 Crypto Firms to MiCA Register After Transition Ends
Image: financefeeds.com

RWA Signal Insight

Infrastructure

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has updated its MiCA register by adding 37 licensed crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) following the conclusion of the transitional period. This update brings the total number of registered entities to 280, signaling a transition from rulemaking to active market supervision across the European Union. Notable additions include Standard Chartered, FalconX, Sygnum Europe, and CACEIS, reflecting increased institutional participation in the regulated digital asset space. Standard Chartered’s dual acquisition of MiCA and Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licenses highlights the strategic importance of combining digital asset services with traditional payment infrastructure. While CASP licensing is accelerating, the register for asset-referenced tokens remains empty, indicating a more cautious approach toward token issuance under the new framework. This shift creates a competitive filter where registered firms gain significant market access advantages over unlicensed competitors. Ultimately, the MiCA register is evolving into a critical tool for institutional due diligence, procurement, and risk management within the European financial ecosystem.

Key points

  • ESMA added 37 new CASPs, bringing the total MiCA-registered providers to 280.
  • Standard Chartered secured both MiCA authorization and an EMI license in Luxembourg.
  • Cyprus leads the latest wave of approvals with 6 new registered entities.
  • The asset-referenced token register remains empty, showing slower adoption for token issuers.

Background

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is the European Union's comprehensive legal framework designed to regulate crypto-assets, issuers, and service providers. It aims to provide legal certainty, protect investors, and prevent market abuse by establishing uniform rules across all EU member states. By replacing fragmented national regimes, MiCA allows authorized firms to passport their services throughout the entire European Economic Area.

Relevance score

7.5/10
Lower relevanceHigher relevance
Source: RWA Signal relevance modelHow we score
Read the full article at financefeeds.com
All articles