ESMA

ESMA, the EU securities regulator, is focusing on crypto custody risks by evaluating key management, incident response, and reliance on third-party technology providers. This follows the MiCA transition, which aims to address regulatory gaps in the crypto sector.

ESMA warned that many prediction market event contracts may already be subject to an EU retail ban. The European regulator stated companies cannot bypass EU financial rules by reclassifying binary-style products as event contracts instead of derivatives.

ESMA has published its first MiCA register update since the deadline, adding 37 crypto-asset service providers. Standard Chartered and FalconX are among the entities included in the update.

The European regulator ESMA has recognized the India Sovereign Bond Clearing House. This recognition is related to ESMA branding.

ESMA has warned that EU crypto clients must be served through a MiCA-authorized entity, prompting scrutiny of Binance's servicing model in the region following the MiCA deadline. Binance faces questions about its compliance with the new regulatory requirements.

OKX Europe CEO Ghoos stated that 80% of crypto exchanges will not survive the MiCA regulatory framework as ESMA requires unlicensed firms to stop operating in the EU by July 1.

Crypto companies must cease EU client services by July 1 if they lack MiCA authorization, as per ESMA's directive. The grace period for compliance with the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations ends on this date, requiring firms to either be authorized or exit the market.

The European Securities and Markets Authority has shortlisted six officials for a top job, marking a significant step in the selection process. The shortlisting is a key development in ESMA's leadership transition. Further details on the shortlisted candidates have not been disclosed.

Estonia and Croatia joined the ESMA CASP register in April 2026 with their first MiCA licenses, increasing the number of EU jurisdictions issuing CASP authorizations to 22. Germany, the Netherlands, France, Cyprus, and Malta account for 60% of all licenses, highlighting centralization despite MiCA's goal of a level playing field.