MiCA in Practice: CASP Authorisation Pathway from Cyprus

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) creates a harmonised EU framework for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and issuers of asset-referenced and e-money tokens. Cyprus, via CySEC, is among the more active competent authorities engaging with applicants.

For a CASP, the main building blocks are:

— Initial capital, scaled by service class (€50,000 / €125,000 / €150,000).

— Programme of operations, governance arrangements and ICT/DORA-compliant frameworks.

— Senior management fit-and-proper documentation.

— AML/CFT framework aligned with the AMLA and the AML Package.

— Custody, segregation, marketing communications and complaints handling policies.

Groups previously registered under the national CASP regime should plan their transition to full MiCA authorisation carefully — particularly around the closing of the transitional period determined by each Member State.

Corpora prepares MiCA applications end-to-end and supports authorised CASPs with ongoing supervisory engagement.