MiCA Rules Fully Enter into Force: ČNB Grants Crypto Licences to Eleven Providers

With the end of the transitional period under the European MiCA Regulation, stricter rules now apply to providers of crypto-asset services across the European Union. In the Czech Republic, the Česká národní banka (ČNB) has so far granted the required authorisation to eleven companies.

Since 1 July 2026, crypto-asset services in the EU may only be provided by legal entities authorised by the competent supervisory authority of an EU Member State. The legal basis is the European Regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA).

The authorisation requirement applies, among others, to crypto-asset custodians, trading platforms, centralised crypto exchanges, as well as companies providing investment advice or portfolio management relating to crypto-assets.

Highest Number of MiCA Applications in the European Union

According to the Czech National Bank (ČNB), a total of 251 authorisation applications had been assessed by 1 July 2026. Of these, 204 were submitted during the transitional period, during which applicants were allowed to continue providing their services until a decision had been reached, but no later than 1 July 2026.

According to the central bank, this represented the highest number of MiCA applications received by any supervisory authority within the European Union. However, a significant proportion of the applications were incomplete or lacked essential information and documentation. In addition, many applications came from companies without a demonstrable business history, with virtual business addresses, or intending to conduct most of their activities abroad.

"The MiCA Regulation has introduced clear rules and a higher standard of customer protection to the crypto-assets market. Licensed providers must comply with strict requirements regarding the management and safeguarding of clients' funds and are subject to supervision by the competent authorities," said ČNB Bank Board member Jan Procházka in a press release.

At the same time, Procházka warned against underestimating the risks associated with crypto investments. Neither authorisation nor regulatory supervision protects investors from the risks of investing in crypto-assets.

Providers with an EU Licence May Offer Services Across the Union

In addition to companies authorised by the ČNB, providers licensed in another EU Member State may also offer their services in the Czech Republic under the European single market rules. Conversely, companies licensed in the Czech Republic may also provide their services throughout all other EU Member States.

Companies without the required authorisation have no longer been permitted to provide crypto-asset services in the EU since 1 July 2026. They must stop accepting new customers and inform existing customers about the termination of their activities. Violations may result in supervisory measures and sanctions.

Crypto Exchange Binance Has Not Obtained an EU Licence

According to the ČNB, this also applies to the crypto exchange Binance. The company had applied for authorisation from the Greek regulator but had not obtained approval by the end of the transitional period. Binance must therefore cease providing its crypto-asset services throughout the EU, including the Czech Republic.

Customers should check whether their provider is listed in the register of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) or in the lists of companies regulated by the ČNB. If necessary, crypto-assets should be transferred to a licensed provider or to a personal crypto wallet.