The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published on September 30, 2026 its response to the European Commission’s public consultation on reviewing the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). ESMA is requesting expanded powers to freeze crypto assets based on reasonable grounds linked to financial crimes, block fraudulent websites and crack down on misleading marketing practices. The authority cited the slowness of current procedures, which it says allows potential threats related to money laundering or terrorist financing to slip away before any regulatory action can be taken. ESMA also raised concerns about non-EU companies targeting European investors without MiCA authorization. If adopted, these proposals would strengthen investor protection in Europe while increasing compliance costs for established crypto service providers.
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