EU MiCA enforcement starts July 1, 2026, putting unlicensed crypto platforms at risk of shutdown

Crypto firms serving clients across the European Economic Area risk being forced to halt services if they do not obtain authorization under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) before enforcement begins. Regulators have ruled out any extension. That leaves more than 1,200 previously registered firms a short runway to comply, as only a small number have received full approval.