ESMA will supervise only 10 to 15 of 360 crypto firms: your exchange stays with its home regulator

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry a high degree of risk. Always conduct your own research.On October 9, 2026 EU finance ministers agreed to place only the largest crypto service providers under direct ESMA supervision. For the vast majority of the roughly 360 authorised firms, the national authority stays in charge, in Germany BaFin.Anyone in Germany buying crypto assets through an exchange with an EU licence remains in BaFin's hands in Bonn and Frankfurt, even after the agreement of October 9, 2026. EU finance ministers have agreed to place only the largest crypto service providers under the direct supervision of the European Securities and Markets Authority, ESMA. On estimates from the Council, that covers 10 to 15 of roughly 360 authorised firms. All the others keep the supervisor that granted their licence. The agreement is a negotiating position, not law in force. For the exchange you trade on today, nothing changes for now. The position becomes interesting where it reveals something about the next two years: who will handle complaints, who will examine custody ...