The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has added BingX, YouHodler, and Banco Santander’s Openbank to its MiCA register in a recent update, bringing the total number of crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) to 375. The update included BingX’s Austrian entity, MEGE zweite, and YouHodler’s Italian subsidiary, which was authorized for custody, crypto exchanges, and transfers. Both companies had previously announced their authorizations last week. BingX’s EU CEO, Daniel Lai, stated the approval would allow the company to operate under a clear regulatory framework as it prepares to launch regulated services across the European Economic Area. Other additions included Prakma Markets, associated with the Goin crypto app, and Germany’s Openbank Deutschland, a subsidiary of Banco Santander, alongside two cooperative lenders. Denmark’s Penning Financial Services was temporarily removed from the register due to a technical issue but reappeared in the next update. The e-money token (EMT) register remained unchanged at 50 entries, while the asset-referenced token (ART) register remained empty.
The MiCA register is part of the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, which aims to create a unified regulatory framework for crypto assets. ESMA has been actively updating the register to include authorized service providers and remove non-compliant ones, highlighting the regulatory body’s role in overseeing the crypto market.
The latest update underscores the continued growth and regulation of the cryptocurrency industry within the EU. As more companies gain regulatory approval, the landscape for crypto services is becoming more structured, with a focus on consumer protection and market integrity.