ESMA Requires EU Crypto Firms to Cease Offering MiCA-Noncompliant Stablecoin-Related Services Within Three Months

Odaily reports: The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has stated that EU crypto asset service providers authorized under MiCA should cease offering services involving stablecoins that do not comply with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) to EU clients, and should address existing related exposures no later than January 8, 2027.

The guidance covers trading platforms, exchange services, order execution, custody, transfers, investment advice, and portfolio management. ESMA requires firms to take technical, contractual, and organizational measures to prevent EU clients from gaining or increasing exposure to unauthorized stablecoins.

Regulators may allow firms to provide limited services such as liquidation, conversion, withdrawals, transfers, and safekeeping to help clients exit existing positions, but such activities must be temporary arrangements and subject to strict supervision. This update extends the relevant guidance published by ESMA in January 2025. (Cointelegraph)