The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has expanded its interim Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) register by adding 15 new crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), bringing the total to 309 distinct entities across Europe. Among these newcomers is BNY SA/NV, the Belgian subsidiary of the U.S.-based financial giant BNY Mellon, which recently gained authorization for crypto custody and transfer services under the MiCA framework.

Details of the Latest MiCA Register Update

ESMA’s latest release, dated July 24, reflects activity following the July 1 deadline when the EU’s MiCA transition period ended, requiring firms operating under national registrations to secure full CASP authorization. This update includes entries from eight countries, with Germany leading by contributing four new providers.

The German additions comprise three cooperative banks Raiffeisenbank Falkenstein-Wörth, Spar- und Kreditbank Rheinstetten, and VR-Bank Augsburg-Ostallgäu alongside JT Technologies. Denmark follows with three new entrants: Coinify ApS, SafeLynx Technologies, and Januar, the latter offering payment and banking infrastructure tailored to digital-asset businesses.

Other countries adding new CASPs include Bulgaria, Latvia, Belgium, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, and the Netherlands. Notable entries include BitPay B.V. from the Netherlands and two providers from Bulgaria (Altcoins BG and Digital Assist). Latvia introduced Bleap and Nodu Digital, while Liechtenstein and Cyprus added Damoon Technology Europe and SG Digital Assets respectively.

The MiCA register now holds 312 rows in its published CSV file; however, some providers appear multiple times due to different regulatory approvals, resulting in 309 unique entity-regulator pairs according to analysis by NorthPoint.

Industry Response and Implications for Traditional Banks

BNY’s entry onto the MiCA register reflects a growing trend among traditional financial institutions to formalize their presence in regulated digital asset markets. BNY Mellon, managing $62.6 trillion in assets under custody or administration as of mid-2023, already operates as a significant custody bank in Europe through its Belgian unit. Its MiCA approval marks a milestone as banks and payment firms broaden their regulated crypto operations across the continent.

This regulatory progress is notable given the cautious stance many legacy financial players have historically taken toward digital assets. The inclusion of firms like BNY signals increasing confidence in the EU’s framework, potentially encouraging more traditional players to seek formal authorization under MiCA.

Germany’s cooperative banks joining the register also highlight how smaller financial institutions are adapting to the evolving landscape, offering crypto services within the regulated environment. Meanwhile, payment-focused companies such as BitPay and Coinify shows the growing infrastructure supporting digital asset transactions throughout Europe.

The ongoing expansion of the MiCA register illustrates steady licensing activity even after the transition deadline, signaling a maturing crypto market regulated under the EU’s harmonized rules.