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ARTICLE · 05 FEBRUARY 2026

Knowledge As An Asset: MiCA's New Competence Standards

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On 28 January 2026, ESMA issued its Guidelines on the assessment of knowledge and competence under MiCA. For crypto-asset service providers ("CASPs") and applicants currently preparing their authorisation files...

MaltaTechnology
Galyna Podoprikhina
Galyna Podoprikhina
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On 28 January 2026, ESMA issued its  Guidelines on the assessment of knowledge and competence under MiCA. For crypto-asset service providers (“CASPs”) and applicants currently preparing their authorisation files, this is not background guidance; it is an operational requirement that will shape staffing models, HR frameworks and supervisory engagement.

The Guidelines apply from six months after the date of their publication on ESMA's website, in all official EU languages, and target staff providing information or advice on crypto-assets or crypto-asset services. The distinction between these two functions is central and consequential.

A Clear Hierarchy: Information vs Advice 

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