European Regulators Say They Need More Powers to Police Crypto
ESMA, the EU's markets watchdog, is seeking authority to freeze crypto assets linked to crime and remove fraudulent websites, as part of the review of the MiCA crypto regulation.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is seeking expanded enforcement powers, including the ability to freeze crypto assets "when there are reasonable grounds to suspect they are linked to crime," and authority for national regulators to remove websites promoting scams or unauthorized crypto firms.
Among the powers requested are tools for cross-border enforcement against non-EU crypto companies actively soliciting European investors without authorization, as well as bans on misleading crypto marketing techniques and rules governing third-party promotion. ESMA specifically stressed the urgency around freezing assets: "Because of current lengthy procedures, when the freezing of suspicious crypto assets linked to criminal activity is requested, it is often too late and the assets have already disappeared."
The proposals come in response to the review of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation (MiCA), currently enforced by national regulators, amid concerns about inconsistent enforcement and regulatory gaps between member states. ESMA also proposed that crypto companies be required to disclose full cost information to customers.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 2, 2026
