European Central Bank Backs EU Plan to Centralize Crypto Supervision Under ESMA

The European Central Bank has endorsed the European Union's proposal to centralize cryptocurrency supervision under ESMA, the Paris-based financial watchdog. While backing the plan, the ECB issued important caveats, warning that ESMA must receive adequate staffing and funding to effectively carry out its expanded supervisory role. The central bank also recommended implementing the transition in phases to avoid disrupting cryptocurrency markets. The endorsement represents a significant step toward unified crypto regulation across the EU, consolidating oversight that has previously been fragmented across member states.

ECB Support for Centralized Crypto Supervision Under ESMA

• ▪The European Central Bank backs the EU plan to centralize crypto supervision under ESMA.

Implementation Requirements and Transition Concerns

• ▪The European Central Bank warned that ESMA must receive adequate staffing for centralized crypto supervision.
• ▪The European Central Bank recommended a phased transition to centralized crypto supervision under ESMA to avoid disruption.

Perspective of European Central Bank

• ▪The European Central Bank views a gradual implementation approach as necessary to prevent market disruption during the transition to centralized crypto supervision.
• ▪The European Central Bank believes ESMA requires sufficient resources to effectively supervise cryptocurrency markets across the EU.

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