MiCA tracker turns ESMA data into searchable EU crypto licence directory

The tracker arrives after MiCA's main transition period ended on July 1. ESMA instructed unauthorised providers to stop accepting new EU clients, opening accounts and marketing covered services. Firms winding down may only take actions needed to transfer assets or close customer positions.

ESMA also told consumers to verify providers through its official register. Customers using unauthorised platforms do not receive MiCA safeguards, including protections covering client assets. The deadline required firms without authorisation to secure approval or wind down covered services.

Licensing activity has continued since the deadline. ESMA added BNY's Belgian unit and 14 other providers in a late-July update. The additions included banks, payment companies and crypto businesses.

The MiCA Crypto Alliance stressed that its tracker is an independent research tool rather than an official regulatory database. It uses publicly available ESMA information and plans to update as new authorisations appear. The Alliance states that the ESMA register remains the authoritative record.

ESMA says its weekly register may not immediately reflect information already held by national regulators. The database can also retain withdrawn authorisations while recording their effective end dates. Users should check the authorisation status and exact approved services rather than treating a listing as blanket approval.

The tracker's next test will be how quickly it reflects ESMA's weekly updates, licence withdrawals and changes to approved services. It offers a simpler starting point for verification, though final checks should still be completed through ESMA and the relevant national regulator.