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Austria: crypto & digital assets regulation

Regulated

Austria's comprehensive crypto-asset regulation under MiCAR and AML/CTF framework, with FMA as lead supervisor

Lead regulator:
Finanzmarktaufsicht (FMA)
Key law:
MiCAR Enforcement Act (MiCA-VVG) 2026
Last updated:
2026-07-12

Austria has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto-assets, primarily driven by the MiCAR Enforcement Act which designates the Financial Market Authority (FMA) as the competent supervisor for crypto-asset markets. This legislation implements the EU's Regulation 2023/1114, granting the FMA extensive supervisory powers and mandating cooperation with the Oesterreichische Nationalbank.

In parallel, the Financial Markets Anti-Money Laundering Act (FM-GwG) sets out a robust AML/CTF framework for virtual currency providers, requiring stringent due diligence and risk assessments. The FMA issues circulars to guide these "obliged entities" in complying with their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations.

This dual approach ensures both market integrity and financial crime prevention across the crypto sector.

Who regulates

  • Finanzmarktaufsicht (FMA)

    Competent authority for supervising crypto-asset markets; coordinates the AML/CTF framework and issues guidance for obliged entities.

    [1][2][3][4]

  • Oesterreichische Nationalbank

    Mandated to cooperate with the FMA in the supervision of crypto-asset markets.

    [1]

Core laws & rules

  • MiCAR Enforcement Act (MiCA-VVG) (2026)

    The Austrian Federal Act implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1114, designating the FMA as the competent authority for supervising crypto-asset markets and granting it extensive supervisory powers.

    [1]

  • Financial Markets Anti-Money Laundering Act (FM-GwG) (2025)

    Establishes a comprehensive anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework for credit institutions, financial entities, and virtual currency providers.

    [2]

Licensing & registration

  • Crypto-asset service providers

    The FMA is designated as the competent authority for supervising crypto-asset markets under the MiCAR Enforcement Act, which implements EU Regulation 2023/1114, implying a licensing regime for relevant activities.

    [1]

  • Virtual currency providers

    These entities are subject to a comprehensive anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework, requiring due diligence and risk assessments under the Financial Markets Anti-Money Laundering Act.

    [2][3][4]

Restrictions & warnings

  • Obliged entities, including virtual currency/asset providers, must comply with stringent anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations, including comprehensive due diligence and risk assessments at both company and customer levels.

    [2][3][4]

Direction of travel

  • Austria has established a robust and evolving regulatory framework for crypto assets, aligning with EU standards through the MiCAR Enforcement Act and maintaining a strong focus on AML/CTF compliance for all virtual asset service providers.

    [1][2]

Sources

  1. MiCAR Enforcement Act (MiCA-VVG) · 2026-04-16
  2. Financial Markets Anti-Money Laundering Act (FM-GwG) · 2025-02-05
  3. FMA Circular on Due Diligence Obligations for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing · 2022-02-23
  4. FMA Circular on Risk Assessment for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing · 2022-02-23

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This guide is compiled automatically from 4 primary-source documents published by Austria's regulators, reviewed by RegAlert, and refreshed monthly (last updated 2026-07-12). It is not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the regulator or local counsel before acting.