CNB issues the first six authorisations under the MiCA Regulation
On 11 February 2026, the Czech National Bank (CNB) issued the first six authorisations for crypto-asset service providers under the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). In total, it received 248 applications. The assessment of further applications will continue within the deadlines set out in the MiCA Regulation.
The CNB has been authorised to decide on the granting of authorisations to crypto-asset service providers under MiCA since 15 February 2025.[1] Entities that obtain such authorisation are subsequently subject to CNB supervision. On that date, the previous national regime under which this activity was carried out as an unqualified trade came to an end, and new entities must now comply with the conditions set out in the harmonised European regulatory framework.
Entities wishing to make use of the transitional period and continue their activities until the CNB reaches its decision were required to submit their application no later than the end of July 2025. In addition, from August 2025, natural persons may no longer provide services falling within the scope of MiCA – the applicant must be a legal entity. Those who submitted their applications on time may continue their business activities under the transitional regime until the CNB takes its decision, but no later than mid-2026.[2]
“Licensing procedures under the MiCA Regulation are both administratively and technically demanding. We have received 248 applications, and each of them is assessed individually and thoroughly in accordance with the harmonised European rules. The issuance of the first authorisations confirms that we have managed this exceptional workload while maintaining high standards of quality and client protection,” said Jan Procházka, CNB Bank Board member.
The CNB has received a total of 248 applications to date. In the first few months of 2025, only a small number of applications were submitted, while the vast majority were received at the end of July 2025, i.e. immediately before the deadline.
The MiCA Regulation sets out binding deadlines both for assessing the completeness of an application and for its subsequent substantive examination. The CNB conducts all proceedings in accordance with these deadlines. In certain situations, these deadlines may recommence, for example when the applicant submits additional information.
On 11 February 2026, the first six authorisations were issued. Once the decisions become final, the holders of these authorisations will be published in the list of regulated entities on the CNB’s website.
“Granting an authorisation under the MiCA Regulation does not mean that the CNB considers a specific investment in crypto-assets to be safe, nor does it recommend any particular product. As part of the licensing process, we assess the service provider itself – in particular its risk management, internal control mechanisms, organisational arrangements and capital provision. Consumers should always carefully consider the risks associated with investments in crypto-assets,” cautioned Jan Procházka.
The CNB repeatedly emphasises that the quality and content of all applications must meet the requirements directly laid down in the harmonised European framework. Detailed information on the conditions of the authorisation procedure is available on the CNB’s website (in Czech only).
One of the highest numbers of applications in the EU: enhanced capacity and AI support
The CNB received one of the highest numbers of applications for authorisation under the MiCA Regulation within the European Union. The vast majority of the total 248 applications were received at the end of July 2025, i.e. immediately before the deadline. This resulted in an exceptional increase in supervisory workload in a short period of time.
The CNB therefore temporarily redirected staff resources across supervisory departments to manage the influx of applications while maintaining the quality and thoroughness of the assessment process. In processing the extensive documentation, the CNB uses artificial intelligence tools tested within the CNB Lab innovation hub. These tools run on the CNB’s own servers in its internal environment, ensuring a high level of data and information security. Artificial intelligence supports, in particular, the content review of documents, the identification of inconsistencies between the materials submitted, and the detection of missing information. It significantly accelerates the routine and technical parts of the process.
“The CNB has long been investing in data analytics and modern technologies. The CNB Lab project enables us to test new approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence in supervisory work. However, decisions on whether to grant or refuse an authorisation are always taken by CNB experts. Artificial intelligence serves exclusively as a supporting tool,” explained Jan Procházka, CNB Bank Board member.
Jakub Holas
Director of the CNB Communications Division
[1] With effect from 15 February 2025, the CNB became the competent authority under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on markets in crypto-assets and amending Regulations (EU) No 1093/2010 and (EU) No 1095/2010 and Directives 2013/36/EU and (EU) 2019/1937 (the MiCA Regulation), on the basis of Act No 31/2025 Coll., on the implementation of European Union regulations in the area of financial market digitalisation (the Financial Market Digitalisation Act).
[2] Up to 1 July 2026.