MiCA CASP authorization (crypto-asset services)
mica-casp-authorizationDomain: paymentsType: processDescription
The EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) introduced a single licensing regime for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) that has been phasing in through 2024 and 2025 and that replaces the prior patchwork of national virtual-asset registrations with a passportable EU authorization. CASP services covered by the regime include custody and administration of crypto-assets, operating a trading platform, exchange of crypto-assets for fiat or other crypto-assets, execution of orders on behalf of clients, placing of crypto-assets, reception and transmission of orders, advising on crypto-assets, and portfolio management. Authorization requires compliance across four substantive pillars: prudential (initial capital between 50,000 and 150,000 EUR depending on the service, plus an own-funds requirement scaling with operations), governance (fit-and-proper management, risk management, internal audit, complaints handling), conduct of business (best execution, conflict-of-interest disclosure, client classification, marketing rules), and disclosure (white papers for offerors of crypto-assets to the public, with content requirements that vary by token type). Issuers of asset-referenced tokens and e-money tokens carry additional obligations under separate MiCA titles. The transitional period for previously-registered virtual asset service providers ends in mid-2026 in most member states, after which operating without CASP authorization is prohibited.
Applicability
Applies when: markets include EU AND sector is fintech.
Required by (1 regulation)
- EU MiCA
MiCA Articles 59-67 + Annex IV — CASP authorization for any of 10 crypto-asset services; Class 1/2/3 prudential capital scaled to service category (€50K/€125K/€150K); transitional regime expires 1 July 2026.
Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023
Fulfilled by (1)
- In-house build · high effort
ClearLaunch does not accept payment from vendors. Methodology.
Evidence formats
- MiCA authorization decision
- white-paper register (where applicable)
- capital adequacy reports