Crypto Firms Face EU Client Restrictions After MiCA Transition Period Ends

Crypto companies that have not obtained authorization under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework can no longer legally serve clients in the European Union after the transition period ended. According to NS3.AI, experts said meeting MiCA compliance requirements can cost hundreds of thousands of euros, while penalties for violations can start at 5 million euros or 5% of annual turnover. Enforcement is expected to be carried out day to day by national regulators, with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) coordinating supervision across EU member states. Several EU regulators have already issued reminders to providers operating without authorization, instructing them to wind down their operations.