MiCA CASP authorisation in Italy
Italy authorises crypto-asset service providers under MiCA through CONSOB, with Banca d'Italia sharing supervisory roles. The old OAM register for virtual asset service providers no longer allows firms to operate: OAM-registered firms needed MiCA authorisation by 30 June 2026. CONSOB granted its first CASP authorisation in May 2026.
Facts under review · last checked 2026-10-08 · confirm figures with the regulator before relying on them
Regulator · CONSOB (with Banca d'Italia) ↗
Key facts
- Minimum own funds (permanent capital)
- €50,000, €125,000 or €150,000 depending on the class of crypto-asset servicesMiCA-Art-67as of 2026-10-08Source ↗
- End of transitional period (EU)
- 1 July 2026: only authorised CASPs may provide servicesMiCA-Art-143(3)as of 2026-10-08Source ↗
- Passporting
- Authorisation allows services across the EU/EEA after notificationMiCA-Art-65as of 2026-10-08Source ↗
- Former OAM VASP regime
- OAM-registered VASPs had to obtain MiCA authorisation by 30 June 2026 to keep providing servicesas of 2026-10-08Source ↗
- First CONSOB CASP authorisation
- May 2026: CheckSig S.r.l. Società Benefitas of 2026-10-08Source ↗
Realistic timeline
Who does what, and how long each phase usually takes once work starts. The regulator’s share is outside anyone’s control.
- HartsizScoping and gap analysis2–4 weeks
- YouCompany set-up, hires and application pack6–12 weeksHartsiz drafts the pack; the client supplies people, capital and decisions
- RegulatorCONSOB completeness check and assessment16–36 weeksOutside our control; depends on queue and the quality of answers
Estimated end to end: 6–12 months. Not a guarantee.
What the regulator expects to see
- Management body with sufficient good repute, knowledge and time commitment (MiCA Art. 68)
- Registered office in Italy, place of effective management in the EU and at least one EU-resident director (MiCA Art. 59(2))
- AML/CFT compliance function under Italian AML law
- ICT risk-management framework under DORA
Questions we get
Can we keep operating while our application in Italy is pending?
No. Since 1 July 2026 the MiCA transitional periods have ended across the EU, so only an actual authorisation allows a firm to provide crypto-asset services.
We are on the OAM VASP register. Can we keep operating?
No. CONSOB stated that OAM-registered VASPs needed MiCA authorisation by 30 June 2026 to continue providing services.
Changes affecting this route
- European Union · Crypto · high impact
MiCA transitional periods end across the EU
ESMA confirmed that the last MiCA grandfathering periods expire on 1 July 2026. From that date, any entity providing crypto-asset services to EU clients without MiCA authorisation is in breach of EU law and must have implemented its wind-down plan. Firms without a licence now need a new application or the acquisition of an authorised CASP.
Source ↗