{"id":"circulars/cssf-26-909","title":"Circular CSSF 26/909","type":"circular","date":"2026-04-01","kind":"circular","html":"<p>Circular CSSF 26/909 is a CSSF circular, published 1 April 2026. Subject: Application of the Guidelines of the European Securities and Markets Authority for the criteria on the assessment of knowledge and competence under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) (ESMA35-24871704-2922).</p>\n<p>Relevant for: Crypto-Assets Service Providers (CASPs).</p>\n<p>Main topic: Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA/MiCAR). Keywords: Crypto-assets.</p>\n<h2>Text</h2>\n<p>Circular CSSF 26/909 Application of the Guidelines of the European Securities and Markets Authority for the criteria on the assessment of knowledge and competence under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) (ESMA35-24871704-2922)</p>\n<p>Circular CSSF 26/909 Application of the Guidelines of the European Securities and Markets Authority for the criteria on the assessment of knowledge and competence under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) (ESMA35-24871704-2922) To crypto-asset service providers, as defined in Article 3(1)(15) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (“MiCAR”) 1.</p>\n<p>Luxembourg, 1 April 2026</p>\n<p>Ladies and Gentlemen, The purpose of this circular is to inform you that the CSSF, in its capacity as competent authority, applies the Guidelines of the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) for the criteria on the assessment of knowledge and competence under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) (ESMA35-24871704-2922) (the “Guidelines”), published on 28 January 2026. Consequently, the CSSF has integrated the Guidelines into its administrative practices and regulatory approach with a view to promoting supervisory convergence in this field at European level.</p>\n<ol>\n<li>The Guidelines The Guidelines are issued by ESMA on the basis of Article 81(15)(a) of MiCAR pursuant to Article 16(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010. The Guidelines apply as from 28 July 2026. The Guidelines establish consistent, efficient and effective supervisory practices within the European System of Financial Supervision and ensure the common, uniform and consistent application of the provisions in Articles 68(5) and 81(7) of MiCAR. In particular, ESMA expects these guidelines to promote greater convergence in the criteria for the assessment of knowledge and competence of staff providing advice or information about crypto-assets or crypto-asset services and their application. These guidelines provide important guidance to assist crypto-asset service providers (“CASP”) in meeting their obligations to act in the best interest of their clients and to assist competent authorities to adequately assess how CASP meet these obligations. In complying with these Guidelines, ESMA anticipates a corresponding strengthening of investor protection. The</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Guidelines</p>\n<p>are</p>\n<p>attached</p>\n<p>this</p>\n<p>circular</p>\n<p>and</p>\n<p>are</p>\n<p>available</p>\n<p>ESMA’s</p>\n<p>website</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.esma.europa.eu/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">https://www.esma.europa.eu/</a>.</p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on markets in cryptoassets, and amending Regulations (EU) No 1093/2010 and (EU) No 1095/2010 and Directives 2013/36/EU and (EU) 2019/1937</p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<p>Scope of application This circular shall apply to crypto-asset service providers, as defined in Article 3(1)(15) of MiCAR.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p>Date of application This circular shall apply as from 28 July 2026.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Annex</p>\n<p>ESMA Guidelines for the criteria on the assessment of knowledge and competence under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) (ESMA3524871704-2922)</p>\n<p>28/01/2026 ESMA35-24871704-2922</p>\n<p>Guidelines For the criteria on the assessment of knowledge and competence under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA)</p>\n<p>ESMA - 201-203 rue de Bercy - CS 80910 - 75589 Paris Cedex 12 - France - [telephone]<a href=\"http://www.esma.europa.eu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">www.esma.europa.eu</a></p>\n<p>Table of Contents 1</p>\n<p>Scope ............................................................................................................................ 4</p>\n<p>Legislative references, abbreviations and definitions .................................................... 5 2.1</p>\n<p>Legislative references ............................................................................................ 5</p>\n<p>2.2</p>\n<p>Abbreviations ......................................................................................................... 5</p>\n<p>2.3</p>\n<p>Definitions .............</p>\n<p>The text above is the opening of the document; the PDF carries the whole.</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.cssf.lu/en/Document/circular-cssf-26-909/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Document page</a>, <a href=\"https://www.cssf.lu/wp-content/uploads/cssf26_909eng.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">PDF</a>. Source: Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), reproduced with the CSSF's consent. The French text prevails.</p>"}