The European Securities and Markets Authority has updated its MiCA register following the transition deadline, adding Standard Chartered and 37 new crypto-asset service provider entries in a signal that Europe’s regulatory framework is actively expanding.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- ESMA’s MiCA register added 37 new crypto-asset service provider entries after the transition deadline.
- Standard Chartered is among the newly listed entities, marking a notable traditional finance entry.
- The post-deadline expansion suggests growing institutional compliance with Europe’s crypto regulatory framework.
What changed in ESMA’s MiCA register after the transition deadline
ESMA’s public register of crypto-asset service providers now includes 37 new entries added after the MiCA transition period concluded. The update confirms that the regulator is actively processing and publishing new authorizations as firms complete the licensing process. For related coverage, see MiCA Decoded: Why July 1 Wasn't the Deadline for Most CASPs.
The transition deadline had been a focal point for crypto firms operating in the EU, with the MiCA transition period requiring existing providers to either obtain full authorization or cease operations. The register’s growth immediately following that cutoff indicates that a wave of applications reached completion around the same time.
Among the 37 additions, the most prominent name is Standard Chartered, a global banking institution with over 160 years of history in traditional finance. Its inclusion alongside dozens of crypto-native firms underscores the breadth of entities now seeking MiCA compliance.
Why Standard Chartered’s appearance stands out
Standard Chartered announced it had been granted a MiCA licence, framing the authorization as part of its broader digital asset strategy in Europe. The bank also secured an electronic money institution (EMI) licence alongside its crypto registration.
A major bank appearing on the same register as crypto-native firms carries weight for the industry. It signals that MiCA’s regulatory framework is drawing participation from institutions that could have chosen to sit out the European crypto market entirely.
The listing should be understood strictly as regulatory authorization to provide crypto-asset services in the EU. It does not indicate the scope of services Standard Chartered plans to offer or the timeline for launching those services to clients. ESMA has previously acted against unauthorized providers, making proper registration a prerequisite for any EU-facing crypto operations.
What the expanded MiCA register signals for the European crypto market
The addition of 37 entries in a single post-deadline update suggests that ESMA’s MiCA implementation process is handling a significant volume of applications. For exchanges and service providers tracking EU compliance requirements, the register serves as the definitive reference for which entities are authorized to operate.
The timing matters because firms that missed the transition deadline face restrictions. Some EU member states, including Spain, declined to extend grace periods for unlicensed operators, reinforcing the urgency of completing the authorization process.
For market participants, a growing register means a larger pool of regulated counterparties available for business in Europe. The inclusion of both traditional financial institutions and crypto-native firms points to a market where MiCA’s compliance requirements are becoming an operational baseline rather than an optional distinction.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.
