AMF applies ESMA crypto-asset staff training guidelines under MiCA

AMF France News

Published March 26th, 2026

Detected March 27th, 2026

Summary

The AMF in France has adopted guidelines from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) regarding the knowledge and competence of staff at crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). These guidelines, adopted by ESMA on January 28, 2026, aim to ensure CASP staff act in the best interests of clients under the MiCA regulation.

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What changed

The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) has announced its adoption of ESMA's guidelines concerning the knowledge and competence requirements for staff employed by crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). These guidelines, adopted by ESMA on January 28, 2026, are being implemented by the AMF under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. The guidelines specify criteria for assessing staff knowledge and competence, including training requirements, to ensure CASPs act in their clients' best interests.

Crypto-asset service providers operating in France must now ensure their staff meet these updated knowledge and competence standards. The guidelines differentiate between staff who only provide information and those who provide advice, setting specific training hour minimums. Compliance with these ESMA guidelines is crucial for CASPs to maintain their regulatory standing under MiCA and avoid potential enforcement actions.

What to do next

Review ESMA guidelines on staff knowledge and competence for crypto-asset service providers.
Update internal training programs and assessment criteria for staff handling crypto-assets.
Ensure compliance with specific training hour requirements based on staff advisory roles.

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26 March 2026
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Crypto-assets: The AMF applies ESMA guidelines on the knowledge and competence of staff of crypto-asset service providers under MiCA

In the context of the implementation of the European MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation, the AMF complies with guidelines recently adopted by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). These guidelines set out the criteria for assessing the knowledge and competence of staff of crypto-asset service providers, as well as their training.

Adopted on 28 January 2026, the ESMA guidelines specify the criteria for assessing the knowledge and competence of staff of crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), in order to ensure that they fulfil their obligation to act in the best interests of their clients.

The guidelines first clarify the general framework applicable to CASPs with respect to their staff, in particular the requirement to ensure that staff are familiar with, understand and apply the internal policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with MiCA.

Then, they distinguish between, on the one hand, criteria relating to the knowledge and competence of staff only providing information on crypto-assets to clients, and, on the other hand, criteria applicable to staff providing advice on crypto-assets to clients. In particular, the guidelines specify that CASPs must set a minimum number of training hours per year, which differs depending on whether staff provide only information on crypto-assets or advisory services on crypto-assets.

Finally, the guidelines set out organisational requirements relating to the assessment, maintenance and updating of the knowledge and competence of CASP staff. They also include an annex providing practical examples.

The AMF reminds that these guidelines will apply from 28 July 2026. They will apply to all authorised CASPs, whether authorised through licensing or through a notification procedure.