ESMA Announces Professional Standards for EU Crypto Services

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has revealed its plan to standardize professional requirements for the crypto industry across the European Union. In a consultation launched February 17, 2025, the authority outlined comprehensive guidelines for staff working in crypto-asset services.

Under the new framework, crypto advisors will need to meet strict educational standards. The requirements include either a university degree in a relevant field like economics or law, or extensive professional training combined with supervised experience. This marks the first time European regulators have set specific educational benchmarks for crypto professionals.

The guidelines split crypto service providers into two categories. Those giving investment advice face higher hurdles than staff providing basic information. For advisors, the path to qualification includes completing 160 hours of professional training and gaining one year of supervised experience in the field.

Staff members who only provide information about crypto assets face lighter requirements. They must complete 80 hours of training and work under supervision for six months. This two-tier system aims to match qualifications with job responsibilities.

ESMA Proposal

ESMA’s proposal puts special focus on understanding crypto-specific challenges. All staff must demonstrate knowledge of blockchain technology, market volatility, and cybersecurity risks. They also need to understand how large holders can affect market stability and the basics of crypto taxation.

The new rules include ongoing education requirements. Advisors must complete 20 hours of additional training each year, while information providers need 10 hours. These continuing education programs must include tests to prove staff members retain what they learn.

Crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) face new management duties under the guidelines. They must check employee qualifications yearly and keep detailed records. New staff members need up to four years of supervision before working independently.

For professionals coming from traditional finance, ESMA offers alternative paths to qualification. Those with two years of experience under existing financial regulations can qualify after six months of supervised crypto work. This provision helps experienced financial advisors transition into crypto services.

The guidelines require staff to understand specific aspects of crypto markets. This includes knowing the differences between crypto and traditional financial protections, understanding transaction costs, and recognizing market manipulation risks.

Companies must create training programs that fit each employee’s role. These programs need to cover anti-money laundering rules and market abuse prevention, along with basic crypto knowledge.

ESMA developed these guidelines as part of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which became active on December 30, 2024. The new rules aim to create consistent standards across all EU markets.

The authority is accepting public input on these requirements until April 22, 2025. After reviewing feedback, ESMA plans to publish final guidelines in the third quarter of 2025. This timeline aligns with the broader rollout of MiCA regulations.

Current crypto professionals get some flexibility under the new rules. Staff with more than one year of experience before the guidelines take effect can continue their roles without additional certification.

The consultation welcomes comments from all market participants, including service providers, investors, and industry groups. This feedback period gives the crypto industry a chance to shape the final requirements.

These guidelines represent part of Europe’s larger effort to regulate crypto assets. With MiCA implementation moving forward, these professional standards add another layer to the EU’s comprehensive crypto framework.