MiCA Transition Ends July 1, 2026, With Many EU Crypto Firms Facing Loss of Operating Rights

Temporary permission for crypto companies operating in Europe while awaiting a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license is set to expire on July 1, 2026, potentially cutting off millions of EU users from some exchanges. According to NS3.AI, Hogan Lovells reported there were 194 licensed crypto firms across the EU as of May 2026, compared with more than 3,000 registered crypto companies in 2024. The report said around 75% of older firms are expected to lose their right to operate after the grace period ends.