Malta's financial regulator, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), is opposing a proposal by some EU member states to centralize cryptocurrency regulation under the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). The MFSA has raised concerns that increasing ESMA's oversight could create unnecessary bureaucracy and reduce efficiency, thereby undermining the EU's competitiveness in the digital asset space.
This decision highlights the internal disagreements within the EU on how to best regulate the crypto industry. Countries like France, Italy, and Austria are advocating for a stronger, centralized role for ESMA to ensure uniform enforcement and prevent different national regulations from creating a fragmented market.
While some nations support this centralization, Malta remains firm in its position. The MFSA believes that regulatory convergence can be achieved without sacrificing the efficiency of individual national authorities. This stance could have a significant impact on future regulatory dynamics within the European Union.
September 2025, Cryptoniteuae