Crypto-asset Service Provider (CASP)

As per MiCA, CASP activities include: 

• the custody and administration of crypto assets on behalf of third parties, 

• the operation of a trading platform for crypto assets, 

• the exchange of crypto assets for fiat currency that is legal tender,

• the exchange of crypto assets for other crypto assets, 

• the execution of orders for crypto assets on behalf of third parties, 

• the placing of crypto assets, 

• the reception and transmission of orders for crypto assets on behalf of third parties, 

• providing advice on crypto assets.

In summary, if a business provides any of the below services to citizens in Europe, it is deemed a CASP: 

• offering custody and administration of crypto assets on behalf of a third party,

• offering a crypto exchange service or running an exchange,

• offering crypto advisory services, or information defined as advice on investing in crypto assets. This does not include portfolio management services.

MiCA is a European framework that only applies to the 27 EU member states. It is not applicable outside of Europe.

Read more about CASPs here.