How Many Firms Have Secured a MiCAR Licence?
As of late 2025, the number of firms granted MiCAR authorisation remains modest compared to the size of the market. Estimates suggest there are around 3,167 CASPs/VASPs operating in Europe that fall within scope of MiCAR compliance or transitional arrangements. Many were previously regulated under lighter national VASP regimes or fragmented frameworks. (Source: Coinlaw)
Given MiCAR’s broad coverage, spanning issuers, custodians, exchanges, brokers, trading platforms, and wallet providers, the vast majority of these firms must comply. Yet only a small fraction have completed the process so far, placing enormous pressure on both organisations and the talent market supporting them.
This gap highlights the scale of the regulatory challenge and explains why demand for MiCAR expertise has surged across Europe.
MiCAR in Numbers (At a Glance)
3,000+ crypto firms operating in or targeting the EU. 50–70 firms authorised under MiCAR so far. 90% + still navigating licensing, transition, or exit decisions
By mid-2025, reports suggested that over 65% of EU-based crypto businesses had achieved some level of MiCAR compliance, reflecting widespread engagement with licensing and transitional arrangements. While this represents solid progress, it remains a small number relative to the market’s size.
Why the Rush?
MiCAR isn’t voluntary. Firms offering crypto-asset services in the EU must be licensed or face enforcement. The regulation covers everything from custody and trading platforms to stablecoin issuance and token sales, while also granting passporting rights to operate across all EU markets once authorised. (Source: KPMG Law)
This has created a dual urgency: For firms, secure licences or restructure operations before enforcement tightens. For talent, hire people with MiCAR implementation experience, which are in critically short supply
Talent Shortage:
Across Europe’s crypto and fintech hiring market, the imbalance is striking:
There are currently eight open roles for every one candidate with any direct MiCAR experience.
Companies are competing fiercely for professionals who understand: MiCAR authorisation and ongoing compliance, Regulatory reporting and supervisory expectations, Passporting strategy, AML/KYC integration under MiCAR.
With so few professionals having navigated this new regime end to end, supply is lagging far behind demand.
What This Means for Businesses and Hiring Leaders
MiCAR marks a turning point for crypto regulation in Europe, promising clearer rules, broader market access and increased trust. But its success will depend on one critical factor: people.For firms preparing for MiCAR compliance or scaling regulated crypto services, talent is now a strategic priority:
With implementation already underway, firms must act now to recruit, retain and develop the talent that will carry them through this new regulatory era.
The MiCAR deadline has arrived, but the talent gap is only widening. If your business needs help hiring MiCAR-ready professionals, or building teams capable of getting you there, now is the time to act. Reach out to discuss how Global Fintech Talent can support your hiring strategy.
How Many Firms Have Secured a MiCAR Licence?
As of late 2025, the number of firms granted MiCAR authorisation remains modest compared to the size of the market. Estimates suggest there are around 3,167 CASPs/VASPs operating in Europe that fall within scope of MiCAR compliance or transitional arrangements. Many were previously regulated under lighter national VASP regimes or fragmented frameworks. (Source: Coinlaw)
Given MiCAR’s broad coverage, spanning issuers, custodians, exchanges, brokers, trading platforms, and wallet providers, the vast majority of these firms must comply. Yet only a small fraction have completed the process so far, placing enormous pressure on both organisations and the talent market supporting them.
This gap highlights the scale of the regulatory challenge and explains why demand for MiCAR expertise has surged across Europe.
MiCAR in Numbers (At a Glance)
3,000+ crypto firms operating in or targeting the EU. 50–70 firms authorised under MiCAR so far. 90% + still navigating licensing, transition, or exit decisions
By mid-2025, reports suggested that over 65% of EU-based crypto businesses had achieved some level of MiCAR compliance, reflecting widespread engagement with licensing and transitional arrangements. While this represents solid progress, it remains a small number relative to the market’s size.
Why the Rush?
MiCAR isn’t voluntary. Firms offering crypto-asset services in the EU must be licensed or face enforcement. The regulation covers everything from custody and trading platforms to stablecoin issuance and token sales, while also granting passporting rights to operate across all EU markets once authorised. (Source: KPMG Law)
This has created a dual urgency: For firms, secure licences or restructure operations before enforcement tightens. For talent, hire people with MiCAR implementation experience, which are in critically short supply
Talent Shortage:
Across Europe’s crypto and fintech hiring market, the imbalance is striking:
There are currently eight open roles for every one candidate with any direct MiCAR experience.
Companies are competing fiercely for professionals who understand: MiCAR authorisation and ongoing compliance, Regulatory reporting and supervisory expectations, Passporting strategy, AML/KYC integration under MiCAR.
With so few professionals having navigated this new regime end to end, supply is lagging far behind demand.
What This Means for Businesses and Hiring Leaders
MiCAR marks a turning point for crypto regulation in Europe, promising clearer rules, broader market access and increased trust. But its success will depend on one critical factor: people.For firms preparing for MiCAR compliance or scaling regulated crypto services, talent is now a strategic priority:
With implementation already underway, firms must act now to recruit, retain and develop the talent that will carry them through this new regulatory era.
The MiCAR deadline has arrived, but the talent gap is only widening. If your business needs help hiring MiCAR-ready professionals, or building teams capable of getting you there, now is the time to act. Reach out to discuss how Global Fintech Talent can support your hiring strategy.