ESMA Sharpens MiCA Implementation: Staff Competence Standards And A Warning Shot To Malta

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued two decisive reports in July 2025, to reinforce the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Both documents underline ESMA's intention to ensure regulatory convergence, strengthen investor protection, and set a high supervisory bar across Member States.

Guideline for the criteria on the assessment of knowledge and competence under MiCA

On 11 July 2025, ESMA published a final report that specifies the criteria for assessing the knowledge and competence of staff at crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), as mandated by Article 81(7) of MiCA (ESMA Guidelines). These guidelines aim to establish a harmonised minimum standard for professionals who provide information or advice on cryptoassets or crypto- asset services listed in Article 3(1)(16) of MiCA across the EU to ensure investor protection.