Regulatory Blog

The European Central Bank has issued Decision (EU) 2025/222 of 27 January 2025 which grants non-bank payment service providers access to Eurosystem central bank operated payment systems and central bank accounts.

On 22 January 2025, the European Supervisory Authorities released a Q&A guidance prepared by the European Commission, clarifying the definition of information and communication technology services under the Digital Operational Resilience Act.

On 21 January 2025, the European Commission sent a letter to the Chair of the Joint Committee of the Supervisory Authorities addressing the draft Regulatory Technical Standards under the Digital Operational Resilience Act.

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission previously issued a comprehensive Policy Statement (PS03-2024) outlining fees and reporting requirements under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. This policy establishes guidelines for participants engaging in crypto-asset markets across the European Union.

On 24 February 2025, the European Union announced its sixteenth sanctions package against Russia, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. This comprehensive package intensifies economic and political pressure on Russia amidst its ongoing military aggression, now entering its fourth year. The measures target critical sectors, close loopholes, and aim to further weaken Russia’s ability to sustain its war efforts.

On 13 February 2025, the EU published key regulatory technical standards in its Official Journal on Regulation 1114/2023 on markets in crypto-assets, along with an additional RTS supplementing Digital Operational Resilience Act, Regulation 2022/2554.

On 31 January 2025, the European Securities and Markets Authority released a supervisory briefing to guide National Competent Authorities with respect to the authorisation of crypto asset service providers under the EU Regulation 2023/1114 on markets in crypto assets.

The European Securities and Markets Authority has recently issued a statement on transitional measures and a list of grandfathering periods under Regulation 1114/2023 on markets in crypto-assets. These transitional periods are critical for crypto asset service providers already operating before 30 December 2024, offering them a limited timeframe to obtain a licence under MiCA.

On 8 January 2025, the EU General Court ruled in favour of a German citizen in Bindl v Commission (Case T-354/22), ordering the European Commission to pay €400 in damages for unlawfully transferring personal data to the US.