meta_id 3287440

On July 1, 2026, Iceland's Central Bank enforced a licensing requirement for all entities providing crypto-asset services in Iceland. Only entities holding a licence as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) under Law 101/2025 on Markets for Crypto-Assets may provide such services from this date forward. Law 101/2025, which entered into force on January 1, 2026, implemented European Union Regulation 2023/1114 on Markets for Crypto-Assets (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation – MiCA). Under Article 143 of MiCA, service providers previously registered under Law 140/2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing received a transition period until July 1, 2026 to obtain a licence under the new regulatory framework. From July 1, 2026, service provision based on registration under Law 140/2018 is no longer permitted. Unlicensed service providers must cease crypto-asset activities, halt all marketing, cease accepting new customers, and take necessary steps to wind down operations in an orderly manner. Four entities—IsMynt ehf., Orange Gateway ehf., Rafmyntasjóður Íslands ehf., and Monerium hf.—were operating without CASP licences as of July 1, 2026. Monerium hf. continues operating as an e-money institution and electronic money token issuer under MiCA. Unlicensed providers must inform customers without delay about their status and available options, including procedures for transferring crypto-assets, closing positions, withdrawing funds, or transferring business to a licensed provider. Customers are encouraged to verify their provider's licence status via the Central Bank's website or the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) public register. The Central Bank will monitor compliance and take enforcement action if unlicensed crypto-asset services continue beyond the transition period. REFERENCES: Seðlabanki Íslands (Central Bank of Iceland). "Óheimilt er að veita þjónustu með sýndareignir án starfsleyfis frá og með 1. júlí 2026" [It is prohibited to provide crypto-asset services without a licence from July 1, 2026]. Available at: https://www.cb.is/