ESMA | Crypto

As MiCA enters its implementation phase, uneven enforcement across the EU is reigniting debate over whether crypto supervision should move from national regulators to ESMA. Europe’s crypto regulatory framework is entering a new phase of scrutiny as policymakers weigh whether enforcement of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation should remain with national authorities or be centralized under the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). MiCA, which came largely into force at the beginning of 2025, was designed to create a unified rulebook for crypto-asset service providers across the European Union. But as implementation progresses, disparities between member states are becoming harder to ignore. Some regulators have approved dozens of licenses, while others have issued only a handful, prompting concerns about inconsistent supervision and regulatory arbitrage. Read more

The European Commission plans to expand ESMA oversight of MiCA crypto companies and trading venues, aiming to streamline EU markets and narrow the gap with the US. The European Commission has proposed expanding the powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) over crypto and broader financial markets in a bid to narrow the competitive gap with the United States. Published Thursday, the package would transfer “direct supervisory competences” for key pieces of market infrastructure, including crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), trading venues and central counterparties, to ESMA and strengthen its coordination role in the asset management sector. The proposal still needs approval from the European Parliament and the Council, where it is under negotiation. Read more

The European Commission wants ESMA to directly supervise all crypto firms, replacing MiCA’s national regulator model. The post EU Pushes to Hand All Crypto Oversight to ESMA, Undermining MiCA appeared first on Cryptonews.

Extending ESMA jurisdiction to include financial markets threatens to slow innovation for crypto and fintech companies, but some policy experts see a silver lining. The European Commission’s plan to expand the authority of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) over cryptocurrency and capital markets has sparked debate across Europe, with critics warning it could stifle innovation and slow decision-making. The European Union is reportedly exploring giving the ESMA direct supervisory powers over stock exchanges and crypto service providers, potentially creating a centralized regulatory framework similar to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The European Commission is expected to publish a draft of the plan in December. Under the existing Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which took effect for crypto asset service providers in December 2024, companies authorized in one EU member state can “passport” their licenses to operate across the 27-nation bloc. Read more

ESMA moves to take direct control of crypto oversight under MiCA as EU states clash over cross-border licensing and fragmented market supervision. The European Union’s markets regulator is preparing to expand its authority to cover cryptocurrency exchanges and other operators, a move officials say would better align oversight with the bloc’s newly implemented Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. Verena Ross, chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), confirmed in an interview with the Financial Times that the European Commission is developing plans to shift supervision of several financial sectors, including crypto, from national regulators to ESMA. Ross said the reform would help build “a more integrated and globally competitive” EU financial landscape. The proposal aims to address “continued fragmentation in markets” and move closer to a unified capital market across Europe, she said. Read more