Asset-referenced and e-money tokens (MiCA)
Issuers of asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and electronic money tokens (EMTs) are required to hold the relevant authorisation to carry out activities in the EU. The relevant requirements are set out in the Markets in Crypto-assets Regulation (MiCAR) and are complemented by technical standards and guidelines developed by the EBA.
Technical Standards, Guidelines & Recommendations
Technical standards
Guidelines
Opinions, Reports and other Publications
Opinions
Opinion on the end of the No-action Letter transition period
EBA opinion outlining supervisory priorities for national authorities as the transition period under its No-Action Letter on PSD2 and MiCA interplay ends on 2 March 2026, addressing authorisation processes, conditions for continued EMT transactions, and coordination between PSD2 and MiCA frameworks.
Opinion RTS to further specify the liquidity requirements of the reserve of assets
EBA opinion on the European Commission’s amendments to final draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) under MiCA, addressing liquidity requirements for asset-referenced tokens (ARTs). The document evaluates proposed changes to reserve asset rules, highlighting concerns over liquidity risks, alignment with MiCA’s prudential framework, and consistency with EU financial regulations.
Opinion on the interplay between PSD2 and MiCA in relation to crypto-asset service providers that transact electronic money tokens
EBA opinion clarifying the interplay between PSD2 and MiCA for crypto-asset service providers handling electronic money tokens, advising NCAs on temporary authorisation exemptions and supervisory priorities until PSD3/PSR apply, while recommending long-term legislative alignment to avoid dual licensing burdens.
Opinion on European Commission's proposed amendment to RTS authorisation ARTs under MiCAR
EBA opinion on the European Commission’s proposed amendments to Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) for authorization applications of asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) under MiCAR, assessing legal justification, proportionality, and information requirements for supervisory scrutiny.
Opinion on EC changes on RTS on conflicts of interests for issuers of asset-referenced tokens under MiCAR
EBA opinion on the European Commission’s amendments to Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) under MiCAR, assessing changes to conflict-of-interest rules for asset-referenced token issuers, including scope adjustments, proportionality, and disclosure requirements.
Decisions
Decision on procedure for significance assessment MiCAR
EBA decision outlining procedures for classifying asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and e-money tokens (EMTs) as significant under MiCAR, including assessment timelines, reporting requirements, supervisory transfer rules, and cooperation with competent authorities.
Reports
Joint Report on recent developments in crypto-assets (Art 142 MiCAR)
EBA and ESMA joint report under MiCAR Article 142 analysing EU crypto-asset market trends, focusing on DeFi adoption, ICT and ML/TF risks, lending, borrowing, staking business models, and Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) implications without policy recommendations.
Report on tokenised deposits
European Banking Authority (EBA) December 2024 report analysing tokenised deposits – examines market cases, benefits like programmability and AML compliance, challenges including regulatory definitions and operational risks, and applicable frameworks under MiCAR.
Other publications
Letter to EC regarding EBA Opinion on EC changes to RTS authorisation ART issuers under MiCAR
EBA opinion on European Commission’s proposed amendments to Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) for authorising asset-referenced token (ART) issuers under MiCAR, accepting changes while recommending supervisory enhancements like market abuse policies and third-party DLT audits.
Joint EBA and ESMA factsheet on Crypto lending, borrowing and staking
EBA and ESMA factsheet summarizing key findings on crypto lending, borrowing, and staking in the EU, including market size, risks (consumer protection, liquidity, ML/TF), and regulatory considerations under MiCAR for 2025.
Joint EBA and ESMA factsheet on Decentralised Finance (DeFi)
EBA and ESMA factsheet summarising key findings from the 2025 joint report on Decentralised Finance (DeFi), covering market size, EU financial sector exposure, risks (ICT, money laundering, consumer protection), and Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) impacts under MiCAR framework.
Explainer - MiCAR templates
EBA’s MiCAR templates explain reporting requirements for issuers of asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and e-money tokens (EMTs), including thresholds, reserve composition, transactions, and own funds under MiCAR regulation.
EBA statement on the application of MiCAR to ARTs and EMTs
EBA statement clarifying MiCAR compliance requirements for issuers and offerors of asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and e-money tokens (EMTs) from 30 June 2024, outlining transitional rules, consumer safeguards, and supervisory expectations for stakeholders and authorities.
Priorities for the supervision of for ART and EMT issuers
EBA outlines 2024-2025 supervisory priorities for issuers of asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and e-money tokens (EMTs) under MiCAR, focusing on internal governance, financial resilience, technology risk, and financial crime management to ensure holder protection and financial stability.
EBA advice on MICAR CfA on significance criteria and supervisory fees.pdf
EBA advice on MICAR CfA on significance criteria and supervisory fees