European Union’s ESMA Orders Unlicensed Crypto Firms to Exit EU Market as MiCA Deadline Arrives

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has ordered unlicensed crypto firms to cease operations in the EU by July 1, 2026, under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. Unauthorized firms must stop acquiring new clients, halt marketing, and wind down existing services, with strict compliance on anti-money laundering rules during the exit process.