Ireland: crypto & digital assets regulation

Who regulates

• Central Bank of Ireland

  Primary supervisor for CASPs, ART issuers, and EMT issuers; handles authorization and ongoing supervision under MiCAR.

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

Core laws & rules

• Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) (2023)

  EU regulation establishing the framework for crypto-asset services and token issuance, implemented in Ireland through the Central Bank of Ireland's supervisory powers.

  ^[1][2][4]

• Consumer Protection Code 2012 (2012)

  Extended via December 2024 addendum to apply to ART issuers, EMT issuers, and CASPs, with specific provisions overridden by MiCAR where applicable.

  ^[5]

Licensing & registration

• Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP)

  Authorization required for firms arranging/executing crypto transactions. Process involves a Pre-Application stage and formal application via CBI portal, requiring a Key Facts Document and three-year programme of operations. Timeline: Pre-application and formal authorization phases; firms must engage with CASP Authorisation Team before 1 March 2026 for PSD2 interplay matters.

  ^{[2][6][7][8][9]}

• Asset-Referenced Token (ART) Issuer

  Authorization required for issuing ARTs. Requires submission of a Key Facts Document and adherence to specific pre-application expectations.

  ^[1][10]

• Electronic Money Token (EMT) Issuer

  Authorization required for issuing EMTs under MiCAR.

  ^[1][4]

• Existing Financial Institutions Notification

  Credit institutions, investment firms, and other authorized entities must notify the CBI at least 40 working days before providing crypto-asset services under Article 60 of MiCAR. Timeline: 40 working days prior to service provision.

  ^[11]

Restrictions & warnings

• Entities must submit Suspicious Transaction and Order Reports (STOR) under Article 92 of MiCAR, providing detailed identity and transaction data for suspicious orders.

  ^[12]

• Applicants must disclose comprehensive AML/CFT and Financial Sanctions risk frameworks via the Pre-Authorisation Risk Evaluation Questionnaire.

  ^[13]

• Supervisory priorities for 2026-2028 include crypto asset custody, customer treatment, market abuse, and financial integrity.

  ^[3]

Direction of travel

• The CBI is actively refining its supervisory framework with a focus on local substance and robust governance, as outlined in its 2026-2028 supervisory expectations and industry briefings.

  ^[2][3]

Sources

1. Guidance Note for Issuers of Asset-Referenced Tokens and Electronic Money Tokens · 2026-05-12
2. Central Bank of Ireland MiCAR Industry Briefing: Path to Success for CASP Licensing · 2026-04-02
3. Supervisory Expectations for CASPs · 2026-03-10
4. Central Bank of Ireland MiCAR Authorisation and Supervisory Expectations · 2024-12-16
5. Addendum to the Consumer Protection Code 2012 – December 2024 · 2024-12-19
6. Guide to Submitting Crypto-Asset Service Providers Authorisation Applications on the Central Bank of Ireland Portal · 2026-03-24
7. Application Form for Authorisation as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider under MiCAR · 2025-03-03
8. Central Bank of Ireland Guidance Note for Crypto-Asset Service Providers Key Facts Document · 2024-11-22
9. FAQs on the Interplay between MiCAR and PSD2 · 2025-07-28
10. Central Bank of Ireland ART Issuer Key Facts Document · 2024-12-16
11. Notification Form for the Provision of Crypto-Asset Services · 2024-12-16
12. Suspicious Transaction and Order Report (STOR) Form · 2026-04-14
13. Central Bank of Ireland Pre-Authorisation Risk Evaluation Questionnaire for Crypto-Asset Service Providers · 2025-04-15