ESMA Registry Hits 309 as BNY Mellon and BitPay Join MiCA

Woofun AI reports that the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has formally integrated two major institutional players into its regulated crypto-asset service provider (CASP) registry under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. The updated list now includes a Belgian unit of BNY Mellon and the cryptocurrency payments firm BitPay, signaling a decisive shift toward institutional participation in the European digital asset ecosystem. This expansion reflects the maturation of the regulatory environment, where compliance is no longer a barrier but a prerequisite for market access.

The total number of officially licensed CASPs has reached 309, a figure that underscores the steady growth of the regulated sector since the initial implementation phases began in 2023. The full application of MiCA rules took effect in December 2024, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for digital assets across the European Union. This timeline marks a critical transition from fragmented national regulations to a harmonized single market approach, allowing firms to operate under a unified set of standards. The increase in registered entities demonstrates that the regulatory pipeline is functioning effectively, with companies successfully navigating the application process to secure their licenses.

Woofun AI data shows that BNY Mellon’s entry into the registry is particularly significant, as it represents the first major move by one of the world’s largest custodian banks into the regulated European crypto space. The bank’s Belgian unit has secured a MiCA license, enabling it to offer crypto custody and trading services across the 27-member bloc. This strategic expansion allows BNY Mellon to leverage its existing infrastructure and reputation to serve institutional clients seeking secure and compliant digital asset solutions. By operating under a single, harmonized regulatory framework, the bank can provide seamless services throughout the EU, reducing operational complexity and enhancing trust among its clients.

BitPay, a long-standing payments processor specializing in cryptocurrency transactions, has also received its license, marking a pivotal moment for its operations in Europe. The company, which enables merchants to accept Bitcoin and other digital currencies, will now be able to operate more broadly within the EU’s single market. Subject to ESMA’s oversight, BitPay can expand its reach to a wider audience of businesses and consumers, leveraging the regulatory clarity provided by MiCA. This license not only validates BitPay’s compliance efforts but also positions it as a trusted partner for merchants looking to integrate cryptocurrency payments into their business models.

The ESMA registry, which is publicly accessible, now lists 309 entities that have successfully navigated the application process, representing a diverse mix of firms ranging from small fintech startups to multinational financial institutions. This diversity highlights the broad appeal of the MiCA framework, which accommodates various business models and scales of operation. The inclusion of both legacy financial institutions and crypto-native companies underscores the framework’s ability to attract a wide range of participants, fostering a competitive and innovative market environment. The public nature of the registry also enhances transparency, allowing stakeholders to verify the status of service providers easily.

For the broader market, the growing registry provides a clear signal of regulatory maturation, creating a competitive dynamic where licensed firms can advertise their compliance status as a trust signal to consumers and business partners. MiCA requires all CASPs to obtain a license from their home member state and then passported across the EU, ensuring a level playing field. Licensed CASPs must adhere to strict rules on custody, disclosure, and anti-money laundering, which enhances consumer protection and reduces the risk of dealing with unlicensed entities. The ESMA registry serves as a practical tool for anyone in the EU to verify whether a crypto service provider is operating legally, thereby increasing confidence in the market.

The addition of BNY Mellon and BitPay to the ESMA’s MiCA registry is more than a bureaucratic update; it is a concrete indicator of the EU’s success in creating a regulatory environment that attracts both legacy finance and crypto-native innovation. With 309 licensed entities now on the books, the MiCA framework is proving to be a central pillar in the global effort to bring digital assets under responsible, transparent oversight. This development is likely to accelerate the trend of institutional adoption, as other large financial firms may now view MiCA compliance as a necessary step for European market access. The regulatory clarity provided by MiCA is setting a global standard for digital asset regulation, influencing other jurisdictions to adopt similar frameworks.