When navigating CASP requirements, the set of obligations that Crypto‑Asset Service Providers must follow under the EU’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) framework. Also known as Crypto‑Asset Service Provider rules, they shape how firms handle licensing, consumer protection, and market integrity. CASP requirements encompass several moving parts, and understanding them is the first step toward staying compliant.
The cornerstone of compliance is MiCA regulation, the legislative backbone that defines licensing, capital, and disclosure duties for crypto businesses in the EU. MiCA dictates that every CASP must maintain adequate capital buffers, publish a detailed white‑paper, and implement robust governance structures. This framework directly influences risk management practices, pushing firms to adopt transparent accounting and real‑time reporting.
Another mandatory pillar is anti‑money‑laundering (AML), the set of procedures designed to prevent illicit funds from entering the crypto ecosystem. AML rules require thorough KYC checks, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting. In practice, a CASP that neglects AML duties can face heavy fines and license revocation, which is why many providers integrate automated compliance tools early in their onboarding flow.
Risk isn’t limited to external threats; internal financial stewardship matters too. DAO treasury management, the process by which decentralized autonomous organizations allocate, guard, and audit their funds has become a benchmark for assessing a CASP’s internal controls. Effective treasury management demands multi‑signature wallets, clear budgeting procedures, and regular audits. When a CASP supports or partners with a DAO, it must ensure that the DAO’s treasury practices meet the same transparency standards demanded by regulators.
Ownership tokens add another layer of complexity. Governance tokens, crypto assets that grant voting rights and influence over protocol decisions can affect a CASP’s risk profile. Regulators view token‑based voting as a potential source of market manipulation if not properly disclosed. Therefore, CASPs need policies that outline how governance token holders are identified, how their votes are recorded, and how any conflicts of interest are mitigated.
Putting all these pieces together creates a compliance ecosystem that protects users and satisfies regulators. Practical steps include building a compliance dashboard that tracks licensing status, capital ratios, AML alerts, and treasury health in real time. Regular internal audits, staff training on MiCA updates, and a clear incident‑response plan for scams or breaches round out a robust compliance program.
Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into each of these topics—from detailed guides on AML verification to case studies on DAO treasury best practices. Use them to sharpen your strategy, avoid common pitfalls, and keep your CASP operations on the right side of the law.
© 2025. All rights reserved.
