ESMA MiCA Register Update Adds Standard Chartered and 36 More CASPs
The EU's ESMA added 37 crypto firms to its MiCA register, including Standard Chartered from Luxembourg. The update brings total CASPs to 280, with Cyprus leading new authorizations. Standard Chartered also obtained an EMI license, advancing its European digital asset strategy and supporting growing institutional demand.
Quick Take
ESMA added 37 new CASPs in first MiCA update after deadline.
Standard Chartered secured MiCA and EMI licenses from Luxembourg.
Cyprus led with six new authorizations, total CASPs now 280.
No changes to asset-referenced tokens or non-compliant entities list.
Market Impact Analysis
BullishClearer regulatory frameworks and institutional entry reduce uncertainty and attract capital.
Speculation Analysis
Key Takeaways
- ESMA added 37 new crypto-asset service providers in its first post-deadline MiCA register update.
- Standard Chartered secured both MiCA and Electronic Money Institution licenses from Luxembourg.
- Cyprus led with six authorizations; total CASPs now stand at 280.
- No asset-referenced tokens have been approved, and the non-compliant entities list remains unchanged.
What Happened
The European Securities and Markets Authority published its first MiCA register update after Wednesday's transitional deadline, adding 37 crypto-asset service providers. Standard Chartered led the pack, securing authorization from Luxembourg regulators on June 25. The bank also obtained an Electronic Money Institution license, enabling it to issue e-money and offer payment services. The move deepens Standard Chartered's European digital asset push, following custody launches in Asia and the Middle East. The update lifted total registered CASPs to 280, underscoring accelerating regulatory compliance across the bloc.
The Numbers
The 37 new CASPs represent a 15% jump from the previous 243. Cyprus authorized six, the most among EU states, bringing its total to 21. France, Italy, and Malta each added five, while the Czech Republic and Spain logged four apiece. Germany remains the overall leader with 58 authorizations. Notably, the asset-referenced token register showed no approved issuers, and the non-compliant entities list still tallies 162. Crédit Agricole’s CACEIS entered the electronic money token register, signaling traditional finance’s growing embrace of crypto.
Why It Happened
The MiCA transitional period required firms to either obtain full authorization or cease operations. With the deadline passed, the register update reflects the first wave of compliant entities. Standard Chartered’s licensing aligns with its broader strategy to meet institutional demand for regulated digital asset services. The bank’s Luxembourg approvals — both MiCA and EMI — underscore its commitment to the European market, mirroring moves by other large financial institutions seeking clarity under MiCA.
Broader Impact
Growing MiCA compliance signals a maturing EU crypto framework that could attract more institutional capital. As banks and payment firms gain licenses, products like tokenized deposits and stablecoin settlements may expand. The absence of approved ARTs, however, leaves a gap that could slow stablecoin integration. Global regulators may look to MiCA as a template, amplifying its influence beyond Europe.
What to Watch Next
- The ART register — any approvals could reshape stablecoin markets and payment rails in the EU.
- Standard Chartered’s product rollout under its new licenses, particularly in custody and payments.
- Further updates to the CASP list as more firms exit the transitional phase and seek full authorization.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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