# Crypto-Asset Service Provider authorisation under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (Malta)

Source page: https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/malta/

The Crypto-Asset Service Provider authorisation under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 is issued by Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on markets in crypto-assets (MiCA). It can be passported to the other EU/EEA states by notification. The official register lists 22 current holders. The legal decision period is 40 working days from receipt of a complete application (following 25 working days completeness assessment). Ownership changes need the regulator's approval before completion.

## At a glance

| Official name | Crypto-Asset Service Provider authorisation under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 [1] |
| --- | --- |
| Issued by | [Malta Financial Services Authority](https://protegra.io/licensing/regulators/mfsa-malta/) |
| Jurisdiction | [Malta](https://protegra.io/licensing/jurisdictions/malta/) |
| Licence family | [Crypto-asset service provider (MiCA CASP)](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/) |
| Legal basis | Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on markets in crypto-assets (MiCA) [1] |
| Passporting | EU/EEA passport available |
| Statutory decision time | 40 working days from receipt of a complete application (following 25 working days completeness assessment) [1] |
| Public register | [official register](https://www.esma.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2024-12/CASPS.csv) [2] |
| Current holders | 22 [2] |

## What it lets you do

- [Custody and administration of crypto-assets](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-custody/)
- [Operating a crypto-asset trading platform](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-trading-platform/)
- [Exchange of crypto-assets for funds](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-fiat-exchange/)
- [Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-crypto-exchange/)
- [Execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-order-execution/)
- [Placing of crypto-assets](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-placing/)
- [Reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-order-reception-transmission/)
- [Advice on crypto-assets](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-advice/)
- [Portfolio management of crypto-assets](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-portfolio-management/)
- [Transfer services for crypto-assets](https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-transfer/)

- **Custody and administration of crypto-assets.** Safekeeping or controlling crypto-assets, or the means of access to them such as private keys, on behalf of clients.
- **Operating a crypto-asset trading platform.** Managing a multilateral system that brings together buying and selling interests in crypto-assets so that contracts are concluded.
- **Exchange of crypto-assets for funds.** Buying or selling crypto-assets against fiat money using the provider's own capital.
- **Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets.** Concluding contracts with clients to swap one crypto-asset for another using the provider's own capital.
- **Execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.** Concluding agreements to buy or sell crypto-assets on behalf of clients, including subscribing to offers.
- **Placing of crypto-assets.** Marketing crypto-assets to purchasers on behalf of or for the account of the offeror or a related party.
- **Reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets.** Receiving a client's order to buy or sell crypto-assets and passing it to a third party for execution.
- **Advice on crypto-assets.** Giving personalised recommendations to a client about transactions in crypto-assets or the use of crypto-asset services.
- **Portfolio management of crypto-assets.** Managing portfolios that include crypto-assets on a discretionary, client-by-client basis under a mandate.
- **Transfer services for crypto-assets.** Moving crypto-assets on behalf of a client from one distributed-ledger address or account to another.

## Where it is valid

_Issued in Malta (gold); can be passported to the other EU/EEA states (blue) by notification._

## How long it takes

Statutory: 40 working days from receipt of a complete application (following 25 working days completeness assessment) [1]. Observed: not published. The statutory clock usually starts only when the regulator treats the application as complete, and pauses while it waits for answers to its questions.

## Buying a company that already holds it

**Prior approval required.** Acquiring or increasing a qualifying holding needs the MFSA's prior approval. For payment and e-money institutions the Financial Institutions Act sets the thresholds at 20%, 30% and 50%; for banks the Banking Act adds a 60-working-day assessment period that can be extended. [3]

Ready-made companies holding this licence: [see verified positions](https://protegra.io/companies/crypto-digital-assets/).

## Laws behind it

- [Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation](https://protegra.io/licensing/laws/eu-mica-2023-1114/): Regulation (EU) 2023/1114

## Getting this licence

Protegra handles this licence end to end: [CASP licensing in Malta](https://protegra.io/mica-malta): process, timeline and our fee.

## Sources

1. [eur-lex.europa.eu: HTML (32023R1114)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32023R1114): retrieved 2026-09-24
2. [esma.europa.eu: CASPS.csv](https://www.esma.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2024-12/CASPS.csv): retrieved 2026-09-24
3. [legislation.mt: 683418610db9942428cf9d49](https://legislation.mt/getpdf/683418610db9942428cf9d49): retrieved 2026-09-24

Last verified 2026-09-24 · Author: Danil Marmysh · Reviewed by Anastasia Sidorenkova · © Protegra. Data: CC BY 4.0, cite "Protegra Licensing Atlas". Not legal advice.