Key Highlights
- Belgium’s FSMA has warned investors against six crypto firms operating without authorization.
- The warning follows the expiration of MiCA’s transitional period on July 1.
- The regulator added the companies to its list of fraudulent crypto-asset service providers.
Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) has issued a fresh warning against several cryptocurrency firms that it says are offering digital asset services without the authorization required under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.
In a notice published on Monday, the regulator advised consumers not to engage with six crypto businesses that continue operating in Belgium despite lacking authorization as Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs). The warning comes shortly after the July 1 deadline that ended MiCA’s transitional period for existing crypto firms operating across the European Union.
Six firms land on the warning list
According to the FSMA, the following companies are offering crypto-related services without the required authorization:
- Aurum Foundation
- Bank Bit
- Bithf Pro
- Dxago
- Global Dynamic Trade
- ZeriaFunding
The regulator said it has added all six entities to its list of fraudulent crypto-asset service providers, while noting that the list is not exhaustive and will continue to be updated as new cases emerge.
MiCA rules are now in force
The warning follows the full implementation of the European Union’s MiCA framework, which requires companies offering crypto-asset services within the bloc to obtain authorization from the competent regulator in their home member state. While new crypto firms have been required to obtain MiCA authorization since December 30, 2024, existing providers were granted a transitional period that expired on July 1, 2026.
The FSMA urged consumers to verify whether a platform holds a valid CASP license before using its services. The regulator said investors can verify a firm’s authorization status through the official register of licensed crypto-asset service providers.
FSMA urges caution
Beyond licensing concerns, the FSMA reminded investors that crypto-assets remain highly volatile and carry significant financial risks. According to the regulator, digital assets can experience sudden price swings, while limited market liquidity may prevent investors from selling their holdings when they choose.
The agency also warned that promotional material circulating on social media may contain incomplete or misleading information. “Crypto-assets and the products based on them can be highly complex. Do not invest in the product being offered if you don’t understand it,” it added.
Unlike many traditional financial products, the FSMA noted that crypto investments are generally not covered by compensation schemes, meaning investors may have limited protection if funds are lost.
What scam victims should do
The regulator also issued updated guidance for individuals who believe they have already fallen victim to crypto fraud. Among its recommendations, the FSMA advised victims to immediately stop sending funds, cut off communication with the platform, contact their bank, report the incident to police and regulators, and preserve all transaction records and communications.
The agency also warned consumers to remain cautious of so-called “recovery rooms”—fraudsters who approach victims claiming they can recover lost crypto assets in exchange for an upfront fee. According to the FSMA, these offers are often secondary scams designed to extract additional money from previous victims.
Europe steps up enforcement
The latest warning reflects Europe’s broader push to strengthen oversight of the digital asset sector following the full implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
Earlier this month, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) warned that certain crypto-based event contracts could fall under the EU’s long-standing restrictions on binary options. The regulator said firms must assess whether such products qualify as financial instruments under existing securities laws, highlighting that MiCA operates alongside broader EU financial regulations.
The regulatory shift has also begun reshaping how crypto exchanges approach licensing. Last month, Binance withdrew its application for a crypto license in Greece, opting instead to secure MiCA authorization through another EU member state while continuing to serve European users under the bloc’s unified licensing framework.
With MiCA’s transitional period now over, regulators across the European Union are increasing scrutiny of firms that continue offering crypto services without obtaining the required authorization.
The FSMA’s latest action signals that national regulators are moving beyond the transition phase toward active enforcement, as crypto firms are increasingly expected to obtain valid Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) licenses before operating within the EU.
Also Read: Hyperliquid Open Positions Top 305K as Traders Strategize Around Major Crypto Breakout
