MiCA Crypto Licenses: Launch of CASP Tracker for Easy Verification

§ 01 Executive Snapshot

• What: The MiCA Crypto Alliance launched the MiCA CASP Tracker, a tool for easier verification of crypto licenses in the EU.
• Who: MiCA Crypto Alliance and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
• Why it matters: It simplifies the process of verifying whether crypto exchanges and wallet providers are authorized under MiCA regulation, enhancing consumer protection and compliance.

§ 02 Key Developments

• The MiCA CASP Tracker was launched on August 5, 2026, providing a searchable directory of ESMA's public authorization data.
• Users can filter results by country, regulator, company name, authorization date, and specific crypto services offered.
• MiCA regulation covers ten distinct crypto services, including custody, trading, and portfolio management.
• ESMA updates its interim register weekly, with the latest file dated July 31, 2026.
• Unauthorized providers were required to stop onboarding new EU clients as of July 1, 2026, increasing the urgency for license verification.

§ 03 Strategic Context

• MiCA regulation has transformed the landscape of crypto service authorization in the EU, necessitating a clearer understanding of compliance for users and providers.
• The launch of the tracker reflects a growing trend among traditional financial institutions seeking crypto authorizations, indicating a shift in the competitive landscape.

§ 04 Strategic Implications

• The tracker provides immediate benefits by facilitating compliance checks for consumers and businesses, potentially increasing trust in regulated crypto services.
• Long-term, as more banks and payment firms enter the crypto space, maintaining the tracker’s accuracy will be crucial for its continued relevance and effectiveness.

§ 05 Risks & Constraints

• The tracker operates independently from ESMA, which means it may not always reflect the most current authorization status, posing a risk of misinformation.
• There is a potential lag in updates, which could lead to unauthorized firms appearing in the tracker until ESMA's register is refreshed.

§ 06 Watchlist / Forward Signals

• The effectiveness of the MiCA CASP Tracker will be tested as more banks and payment firms seek authorization in the upcoming months.
• Future regulatory actions or updates from ESMA regarding the authorization status of firms will signal the tracker’s reliability and accuracy.