EU bars Belarusians from owning MiCA regulated crypto firms

Belarusian nationals and residents have been barred from owning, controlling, or managing crypto-asset service providers regulated under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework from Aug. 25, extending the bloc’s sanctions on the country. Summary The European Union has barred Belarusian nationals and residents from owning or managing MiCA regulated crypto firms from Aug. 25. The new sanctions extend earlier restrictions beyond crypto wallets and custody services to cover all crypto asset services under MiCA. The move comes as Belarus continues expanding its domestic crypto sector while the EU tightens sanctions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. According to Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1847, adopted by the Council of the European Union on Thursday, the bloc has expanded its sanctions framework against Belarus by preventing Belarusian nationals and residents from owning, controlling or serving on the governing bodies of crypto-asset service providers authorized under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. The decision entered into force on July 24, while the new crypto-related restrictions will begin applying from Aug. 25. The latest measure goes beyond earl...