On 28 January 20206, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published a webpage with the official translations of its guidelines setting out the criteria to assess knowledge and competence under the Regulation on markets in cryptoassets ((EU) 2023/1114) (MiCA), the final report on which was published in July 2025.

Summary

The guidelines were developed by ESMA based on Article 81(15)(a) of MiCA, which provides for ESMA to issue guidelines specifying the criteria for the assessment of knowledge and competence in accordance with paragraph 7 of this Article. The objective of the guidelines is to establish consistent, efficient and effective supervisory practices within the European System of Financial Supervision. In particular, ESMA expects these guidelines to promote greater convergence in the criteria for the assessment of knowledge and competence of staff providing advice or information about crypto-assets or crypto-asset services and their application.

The guidelines are also intended to provide important guidance to assist crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) in meeting their obligations to act in the best interest of their clients and to assist competent authorities to adequately assess how CASPs meet these obligations.

Next steps

The guidelines will apply from six months after the date of their publication on ESMA’s website in all EU official languages (i.e. 28 July 2026).