Crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) must, as of 1 July 2026, hold an authorisation as a CASP. Without such authorisation, they must cease offering these services in Europe. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has already issued a statement on 17 April 2026 and reiterates its expectations by publishing the following communication on the matter.
The European MiCA Regulation entered into force on 30 December 2024. This regulation establishes a harmonised and specific framework for crypto-asset markets. It imposes operational, organisational, and prudential requirements on CASPs in order to limit potential risks to investor protection, market integrity, and financial stability.
Consequently, in order to carry out their activities, all providers must obtain authorisation. Providers already active under the existing national regime benefited from a transitional period until 30 June 2026 at the latest to obtain this MiCA authorisation. While some CASPs will have obtained authorisation by 1 July 2026, others will not have done so by that deadline. To date, no CASP holds an authorisation granted by the FSMA in Belgium.