The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has released an Opinion concerning the authorization of global crypto firms under the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) Regulation.

This Opinion addresses the risks associated with crypto firms that seek EU authorization for activities such as crypto brokerage while keeping significant parts of their operations, such as intra-group execution venues, outside the EU’s regulatory framework.

EU Brokers Routing Orders Concerns

ESMA highlights concerns about the complex structures of global crypto firms. These structures may involve an EU-authorized broker routing orders to an execution venue located outside the EU. Such arrangements could undermine consumer protection and create an uneven playing field compared to EU-authorized execution venues.

In response to these risks, ESMA advises National Competent Authorities (NCAs) to exercise caution during the authorization process. It recommends that NCAs carefully evaluate the business structures of global firms to prevent them from circumventing MiCA obligations . This approach aims to protect consumers and ensure the transparent and orderly operation of crypto markets.

The Opinion emphasizes the need for a case-by-case assessment. It specifies requirements related to best execution, conflicts of interest, and the obligation to act in the best interests of clients. It also covers responsibilities regarding the custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients.

Crypto-asset execution venues are crucial for the crypto-asset ecosystem, and MiCA establishes detailed rules for the operation of trading platforms for these assets.

Technical Standards for CASPs

Meanwhile, ESMA has released its second Final Report under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, as reported by Finance Magnates. This report outlines eight draft technical standards aimed at increasing transparency for retail investors and clarity for providers.

The standards cover sustainability indicators, business continuity for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), trade transparency, orderbook formats, record-keeping, and the readability of white papers. They include data protocols to aid supervision by NCAs. The draft standards set technical requirements for both human and machine readability of crypto-asset white papers and provide templates for CASP records.