ESMA Tells EU Crypto Firms to Halt Non-Compliant Stablecoin Services Within Three Months

European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued new guidance instructing EU-based crypto firms to stop offering services involving stablecoins that do not meet the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) requirements, allowing a three-month period to wind down existing exposure. In a statement on Thursday, ESMA said national regulators should ensure affected firms address any remaining exposure to non-compliant stablecoins as quickly as possible, and no later than January 8, 2027. The guidance covers MiCA-regulated crypto services, including trading platforms, exchange services, order execution, custody, transfers, investment advice and portfolio management. ESMA said firms must put in place technical, contractual and organizational safeguards to prevent EU clients from accessing unauthorized stablecoins or increasing their exposure. Supervisors may allow narrowly defined, temporary services to help clients exit existing positions—such as liquidation, exchange, withdrawal, transfer and custody—provided these activities are closely monitored. The update builds on ESMA guidance released in January 2025, which first called for restrictions on trading and exchange services involving non-compliant stablecoins.