coinspress.com
The directive sets Italy among the first EU nations to apply hard enforcement dates tied to MiCA, signaling to platforms — and their customers — that the transition is no longer theoretical.
Italy has announced that crypto companies operating in the country are now on a countdown clock: either migrate into the EU’s MiCA regulatory regime or shut down business entirely.
Until now, dozens of crypto providers have been allowed to operate by registering domestically through Italy’s OAM list. That privilege expires December 30, according to new communication from securities regulator CONSOB.
From that point forward, only firms recognized under MiCA — whether licensed in Italy or passported in from another EU state — will be permitted to continue offering crypto services.
Transitional Access Exists, But Only for Platforms That Act
Companies that file for MiCA authorization before December 30 won’t be forced to immediately halt business.
Italy has introduced a bridge period that lets filing platforms stay active while regulators review their applications — with a maximum buffer extending to June 30, 2026.
Once authorization is granted, refused, or that deadline arrives, the transitional window closes. Platforms choosing not to pursue MiCA approval received a blunt message.
CONSOB says they must unwind operations by the end of this year, notify users, close relationships, and return both funds and tokens according to customer instructions.
They must also clearly tell investors whether they plan to stay or exit — meaning silence from a provider should raise red flags for customers.
Italy Uses Its Discretion — And Warns Investors to Pay Attention
European law gave member states the ability to craft national versions of MiCA’s transition. Italy opted for strict timing and public disclosure requirements rather than long grace periods.
Alongside its notice to platforms, CONSOB issued a consumer advisory reminding users that firms active today may lose their ability to operate after December.
Its message to investors: make sure your provider has outlined its plan — and if not, ask for clarity or withdraw assets.
Aligning With Europe’s Wider March Into Regulation
The same day Italy published its framework, the European Securities and Markets Authority issued a broader reminder: transitional licensing is temporary and providers without authorization will eventually have to wind down.
Italy’s communication shows exactly what that looks like in practice — a deadline to comply, a short window for review, and a defined end point for companies unwilling or unable to meet MiCA standards.
With timelines now fixed, the Italian market is preparing for structural change — one that could reshape which crypto firms remain active in the EU’s third-largest economy.