Italy’s Crypto Sector Braces for MiCAR Deadline as Consob Issues Final Warning
Italy’s financial regulator Consob has intensified warnings to crypto operators and investors ahead of the 30 December 2025 MiCAR compliance deadline. The transition period for VIRTUAL Asset Service Providers (VASPs) operating under Italy’s current light-touch regime will end abruptly, forcing firms into a stringent authorization process under the EU’s new framework.
Registered VASPs currently need only OAM registration, but MiCAR will require full authorization as Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs). Firms failing to submit applications by the deadline face immediate shutdown, while those in the pipeline may continue operating until 30 June 2026 at the latest. The Bank of Italy had previously flagged transparency gaps, noting 75% of major Bitcoin holders are U.S.-based entities outside eurozone oversight.
