On 22 May 2026, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published a compliance table regarding its Guidelines for the criteria on the assessment of knowledge and competence under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The document provides an overview of how national competent authorities (NCAs) have implemented or intend to comply with the guidelines, which aim to ensure that staff providing crypto-asset services possess adequate knowledge and competence.
The compliance table, issued by ESMA's Markets and Infrastructure Department, is a non-binding reporting tool that tracks the status of compliance across EU member states. It lists each NCA and indicates whether it complies, intends to comply, or does not comply with the guidelines. The table also includes remarks from authorities on any deviations or partial compliance.
ESMA's original guidelines, adopted under Article 81 of MiCA, set out criteria for assessing the knowledge and competence of natural persons giving information or advice about crypto-assets on behalf of crypto-asset service providers. The guidelines cover areas such as minimum qualification requirements, ongoing training, and assessment methods. They are designed to protect consumers and ensure consistent standards across the EU.
The compliance table reveals that a majority of NCAs have confirmed full compliance, while a few have noted partial compliance or are in the process of aligning their national frameworks. Some authorities have highlighted specific challenges, such as adapting existing financial services competence regimes to the crypto-asset sector or coordinating with other national regulators.
Impact on stakeholders
The guidelines impose additional compliance costs, as firms must ensure their staff meet the prescribed knowledge and competence standards. This may require investment in training programs or hiring qualified personnel. However, harmonised criteria could reduce fragmentation and facilitate cross-border operations.
NCAs bear the burden of monitoring and enforcing the guidelines, which may require additional resources and coordination. The compliance table provides transparency on implementation progress, but authorities with partial compliance face pressure to align fully.
Stronger competence requirements for staff offering crypto-asset services are expected to improve the quality of advice and reduce the risk of mis-selling, enhancing investor protection.
The guidelines and compliance table contribute to a more uniform regulatory landscape for crypto-assets across the EU, supporting the broader MiCA framework's goal of market integrity and financial stability.
Expected institutional follow-up
ESMA will continue to monitor compliance and may update the table as NCAs adjust their frameworks. The European Commission and other EU bodies may use the information to assess the effectiveness of MiCA's implementation and consider any necessary adjustments to the regulatory regime.
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