EU watchdogs warn scammers are posing as crypto firms and regulators after MiCA deadline: FT

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the European Banking Authority (EBA) have issued a stern warning to crypto-asset service providers regarding the impending July 1, 2026, deadline for compliance with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. Firms that fail to secure the necessary authorization by this date must prepare to wind down or significantly restrict their services to European Union clients. This regulatory push aims to mitigate the rising prevalence of crypto-related scams and fraudulent activities that exploit the current transitional period. By enforcing strict licensing requirements, EU watchdogs intend to standardize consumer protection and market integrity across all member states. The mandate underscores the transition from a fragmented regulatory landscape to a unified framework that demands operational transparency and accountability. For the RWA market, this development is critical as it establishes the legal perimeter within which tokenized assets must operate to gain institutional trust. Compliance is no longer optional for entities seeking to provide services to the European market, signaling a maturation phase for the broader digital asset ecosystem.