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Is Crypto Legal in Belgium?

Cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Belgium. The jurisdiction has a comprehensive, dedicated crypto framework with licensing and active enforcement, and an active legislative process underway. Bank of Belgium is among the 3 regulators with oversight. Primary legislation: European Commission MiCA Regulation Draft.

Derived from 448 sourced facts for Belgium · last updated · primary sources

Comprehensive Framework Partially Regulated Framework In Development No Guidance Risk: unknown Updated 7 days ago Research: Grade A

Overview

Belgium regulates crypto-asset service providers primarily through AML/CFT obligations under the Law of 18 September 2017 (as amended by the Act of 5 August 2020 transposing AMLD5), which requires custodian wallet providers and virtual currency exchange platforms to register before operating; MiCA (Regulation (EU) 2023/1114) is layering a comprehensive CASP authorization regime on top of this AML-registration baseline. The FSMA administers registration and AML/CFT supervision for CASPs, while the NBB supervises stablecoin issuers and EMIs, with concrete obligations spanning AML/KYC compliance, Travel Rule data transmission under Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 (directly applicable from 30 December 2024), 100% reserve backing and asset segregation for stablecoin issuers, and full MiCA prudential and governance requirements. The critical transition nuance is that Belgium sits mid-shift: firms currently holding an FSMA AML registration must assess whether and when they must upgrade to a full MiCA CASP authorization as the EU regime supersedes the pre-existing national framework. (eur-lex.europa.eu, ecb.europa.eu)

Read the full status overview → AI-synthesized · 2026-07-12
VASP/CASP Registry: None — no registry data for this jurisdiction

Regulatory Bodies

Bank of Belgium

If traditional fiat payment services: If the payment processor deals predominantly with fiat currency payments, even if related to crypto transactions, they might fall under the scope of the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) and require…

European Parliament and of the Council

Directive (EU) 2018/843 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, and…

EU AML Authority

Note: The EU is currently working on a comprehensive new AML/CFT package, including a new AML Regulation and the establishment of an EU AML Authority (AMLA), which will further streamline and enforce these rules across member states.

Primary Legislation

Law / Regulation Year Scope
European Commission MiCA Regulation Draft (2024) 2024 European Commission MiCA Regulation Draft (2024)

Licensing Requirements

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FSMA's Dedicated VASP Page: This is the primary resource for current information and guidance.

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This page typically contains direct links to relevant legislation and forms, but the FAQs link is outdated; the latest Belgian e-invoicing FAQs were updated by FPS BOSA on 7 October 2025.

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La loi du 18 septembre 2017 relative à la prévention du blanchiment de capitaux et du financement du terrorisme et à la limitation de l'utilisation des espèces constitue toujours la base légale belge en matière LBC/FT, mais elle a été substantiellement modifiée par des lois ultérieures et doit être lue dans sa version consolidée actuelle.

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Wet van 18 september 2017 tot voorkoming van het witwassen van geld en de financiering van terrorisme en tot beperking van het gebruik van contanten. (In Dutch)

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The primary Belgian transposition of AMLD5 is the Act of 5 August 2020 implementing the fifth Anti‑Money Laundering Directive, which amends the Act of 18 September 2017 on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing and on the restriction of the use of cash; it can be found on the official Belgian legislative database (e.g., https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/loi/loi.htm) by searching by date and title.

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In Belgium, the 5th Anti‑Money Laundering Directive (AMLD5) remains part of the transposed national AML framework but is no longer the ‘current baseline’ at EU level, as it has been supplemented and partly superseded by the 6th AML Directive (6AMLD) and the emerging EU single‑rulebook AML package; Belgian obliged entities must now comply with national law implementing both AMLD5 and 6AMLD, and prepare for direct application of the new EU AML Regulation.

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Directive (EU) 2018/843 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, and amending Directives 2009/138/EC and 2013/36/EU.

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AML/KYC Requirements

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Partial, Moving Towards Comprehensive: Before MiCA, Belgium's approach was characterized by specific AML/CFT regulations for certain crypto service providers, consumer warnings, and a general "wait and see" stance for broader market regulation. With MiCA's staggered implementation (July 2024 for stablecoins, December 2024 for other crypto-assets), Belgium is in the process of fully integrating a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto-asset issuance, trading, and services.

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The NBB shares AML/CFT supervision of crypto-asset service providers with the ECB under the AMLA framework (2025), with the ECB now holding primary prudential oversight of significant crypto firms, while the NBB retains registration and AML/CFT responsibilities for smaller/non-significant providers.

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Role: Responsible for supervising financial markets and ensuring fair and honest treatment of consumers. The FSMA issues warnings about crypto-related risks (volatility, scams), and provides guidance on whether specific crypto-assets might fall under existing financial legislation (e.g., securities law). Post-MiCA, the FSMA is expected to play a significant role in supervising entities licensed under the new framework, particularly regarding market conduct and consumer protection.

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Impact: MiCA provides a harmonized regulatory framework across the EU for crypto-assets not covered by existing financial services legislation. It covers the issuance, public offering, and admission to trading of various crypto-assets, as well as the authorization and supervision of crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). This is the most significant piece of legislation for the future of crypto regulation in Belgium.

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Reference: Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on markets in crypto-assets, and amending Regulations (EU) No 1093/2010 and (EU) No 1095/2010 and Directives 2013/36/EU and (EU) 2019/1937.

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In Belgium, the EU Anti‑Money Laundering Directives (AMLDs) remain part of the legal background and are still reflected in national law, but the EU has moved to a new AML framework based on a directly applicable single rulebook and an EU‑level AML Authority (AMLA), so AMLDs are no longer the sole or primary forward‑looking reference point for EU/Belgian AML regulation.

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Directive (EU) 2018/843 (5th AMLD) remains part of the binding EU AML framework as transposed into Belgian law, but it is no longer the sole or ultimate regulatory baseline: Belgium’s regime is now shaped by 4AMLD as amended by 5AMLD plus subsequent EU legislative and institutional reforms (including the emerging AMLA framework), and Belgium has been formally challenged over incorrect transposition of these directives.

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Impact: Extended the scope of AML/CFT rules to include providers engaged in exchange services between virtual currencies and fiat currencies, and custodian wallet providers. This mandated registration requirements at the national level.

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Note: The EU is currently working on a comprehensive new AML/CFT package, including a new AML Regulation and the establishment of an EU AML Authority (AMLA), which will further streamline and enforce these rules across member states.

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Key Amendment: Modified by various Royal Decrees to transpose the 5th AMLD, notably the Royal Decree of 28 April 2022, which specifies the conditions and procedure for registration of providers of exchange services between virtual currencies and legal tender, and custodian wallet providers.

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URL (NBB - relevant registration page summarizing requirements): https://www.nbb.be/en/supervision/aml-and-ctf/providers-exchange-services-between-virtual-currencies-and-legal-tender-and (This page provides a clear overview and links to the relevant legal texts for practical application.)

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Since Belgium’s implementation of the EU MiCA/MiCAR regime, the previous AML-based requirement for virtual asset service providers (including providers of exchange services between virtual and fiat currencies and custodian wallet services) to register with the National Bank of Belgium has been replaced by the new MiCA/MiCAR authorisation/supervisory framework, so the old mandatory NBB registration regime no longer applies in its original form.

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As of the MiCAR implementation in Belgium, the FSMA is the sole competent authority for virtual asset service providers, and the NBB public register for exchange services between virtual currencies is no longer the primary supervisory tool.

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European regulators, including the FSMA/ESA/FCA ecosystem, continue to warn consumers that crypto-assets can be highly risky and that protections may be limited depending on the product and provider, while MiCA has introduced some EU-wide safeguards for certain crypto-assets and services.

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FSMA’s current crypto and other fraud warnings are centralized on its main warnings section (and related subpages such as ‘Look out for traps: beware of these fraudulent trading platforms’), rather than on the legacy URL https://www.fsma.be/en/warnings-regarding-fraudulent-platforms-trading-cryptocurrencies, which is no longer the primary, up‑to‑date warning page.

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Licensing, not just Registration: CASPs will need to obtain a specific license under MiCA from a competent national authority (likely the FSMA or NBB, or both in cooperation, depending on their national distribution of powers) to operate across the EU.

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Travel Rule

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EU Level: Yes, the FATF Travel Rule (Recommendation 16) has been adopted at the EU level through the recast Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR). This is Regulation (EU) 2023/1113, which specifically extends the rules on information accompanying transfers of funds to transfers of crypto-assets.

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Belgian Level: As an EU Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 is directly applicable in Belgium without the need for national transposition into Belgian law. Belgium's existing AML/CFT framework (primarily the Law of 18 September 2017) provides the national enforcement and supervisory structure, and will be supplemented by the TFR.

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The Travel Rule applies to all crypto-asset transfers involving a CASP, but with differentiated requirements based on transaction value: transfers below €1,000 require only wallet addresses (originator and beneficiary distributed ledger addresses), while transfers of €1,000 or more require full identifying information including names, addresses, and IDs. For self-hosted wallets, ownership verification is only required for amounts exceeding €1,000.

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Unlike traditional wire transfers where there might be a threshold for full data collection, for crypto-asset transfers handled by CASPs, there is no de minimis threshold. Information must be collected and transmitted for every transaction.

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The Travel Rule in Belgium (via the TFR) covers all Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) that are authorised or registered to provide crypto-asset services in the EU, as defined under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation (EU) 2023/1114.

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EU Travel Rule rules (via TFR/MiCA and the EBA’s Travel Rule guidelines) still do not prescribe a single proprietary messaging protocol such as TRISA or OpenVASP, but they now impose concrete, enforceable interoperability obligations, including the use of standardized data schemas like IVMS101 and strict, time‑bound data‑relay requirements between CASPs, going beyond a mere implied need for interoperability and ‘rapidly evolving’ voluntary solutions.

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EU Framework: Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 states that Member States (like Belgium) "shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented."

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Penalties for non-compliance with AML/CFT obligations in Belgium are primarily established in the Law of 18 September 2017 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing and on the limitation of the use of cash (as amended), which remains the core AML/CFT framework but has since been supplemented and strengthened by additional measures and supervisory powers, including enhanced sanctions and public-naming powers introduced following Belgium’s recent FATF evaluation.

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In the Belgian context, FSMA refers to the Financial Services and Markets Authority, a financial regulator that can impose substantial administrative sanctions (including high monetary fines, public warnings/reprimands, and withdrawal of authorisation) under Belgian financial legislation. This is distinct from the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which is a U.S. food safety law enforced by the FDA and does not act as a Belgian supervisory authority or impose euro‑denominated travel‑rule fines.

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Belgian Law of 18 September 2017 on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing (Loi du 18 septembre 2017 relative à la prévention du blanchiment de capitaux et du financement du terrorisme et à la limitation de l'utilisation des espèces):

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Tax Reporting

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Custody Requirements

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Requirement: Providers of "custodian wallet services" are required to register with the FSMA. This is not a full financial services license but an AML registration.

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Legal Basis: The Law of 18 September 2017 on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing and on the restriction of the use of cash. Specifically, Article 5, §1, 37° designates "providers of custodian wallets" as entities subject to AML/CFT obligations.

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In Belgium’s twin‑peaks model, virtual asset service providers and similar intermediaries that fall under the FSMA’s remit must register and provide information on the company, its governance and internal organization, shareholders, and their AML/CFT policies and procedures. The FSMA assesses these elements in line with its conduct‑of‑business and AML supervisory role, while key prudential and certain fit‑and‑proper/AML responsibilities for many institutions lie with the National Bank of Belgium (NBB).

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FSMA page on Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASP) under MiCA: https://www.fsma.be/en/crypto-asset-service-provider-casp (BE, custody)

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Belgian Law of 18 September 2017 (in Dutch/French): Look for "Wet van 18 september 2017 tot voorkoming van het witwassen van geld en de financiering van terrorisme en tot beperking van het gebruik van contanten" on the Belgian official gazette (e.g., through Jurisquare or Justel).

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Explicit Rules for Crypto: The current AML Law of 2017 does not explicitly detail segregation rules specifically for crypto assets.

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Implicit Expectations: However, as entities subject to AML/CFT, registered custodian wallet providers are generally expected to adhere to sound business practices, which would imply the segregation of client assets from the firm's own operational assets to protect clients in case of insolvency or operational issues. This is a general principle of good governance and risk management in financial services.

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Explicit Requirements: There are no explicit national mandates for specific insurance or bonding requirements for crypto custodian wallet providers under the current AML framework.

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Implied: Prudent risk management would nevertheless encourage such providers to consider adequate insurance coverage.

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Explicit Mandates: There are no explicit national mandates for the use of cold storage or specific percentages of assets to be held in cold storage under the current AML framework.

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Implied: Robust cybersecurity and operational risk management are expected, and the use of cold storage is generally considered a best practice for securing a significant portion of client digital assets. The FSMA would expect appropriate security measures as part of the operational risk assessment during registration.

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Specific Definition for Crypto: The current Belgian framework does not define a "qualified custodian" specifically for digital assets beyond the "custodian wallet provider" designation under the AML Law. This designation focuses on AML/CFT compliance rather than broader financial regulatory standards.

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Authorization: Providers of "safekeeping and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients" will need to obtain authorization as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) from their national competent authority (the FSMA in Belgium). This is a more comprehensive authorization than the current AML registration.

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Scope: MiCA defines "safekeeping and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients" as the activity of safeguarding or controlling crypto-assets or instruments giving access to crypto-assets on behalf of third parties.

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Requirements: CASPs will need to meet stringent organizational, operational, and prudential requirements, including having robust governance arrangements, internal control mechanisms, risk management procedures, and capital requirements.

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Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023R1114

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Article 53 (General obligations for CASPs) and Article 67 (Specific obligations for providers of safekeeping and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients) are particularly relevant.

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Explicit Mandate: MiCA explicitly mandates the segregation of client assets.

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Details (Article 67(2)): Providers of safekeeping and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients must:

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Enter into an agreement with their clients specifying their duties and responsibilities.

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Keep records and establish accounts in their internal accounting systems that enable them to distinguish crypto-assets held on behalf of clients from their own crypto-assets and other clients' crypto-assets, and the funds of clients from their own funds.

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Not use crypto-assets or funds held on behalf of clients for their own account.

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Specific Insurance: MiCA does not explicitly mandate a specific type or amount of insurance per se.

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Liability and Operational Risk: However, MiCA imposes liability on CASPs for losses incurred by clients due to their negligence or fraud. It also requires robust operational risk management, including cybersecurity, business continuity, and recovery plans. While not explicitly "insurance," these provisions require CASPs to manage risks that might typically be covered by insurance or equivalent capital.

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Reference: MiCA Regulation, Article 53 (General obligations), Article 54 (Prudential requirements), Article 67(6) (Liability for loss).

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Explicit Mandates: MiCA does not mandate a specific percentage of crypto assets to be held in cold storage.

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Operational Requirements: However, it requires CASPs to have robust ICT systems and security protocols, effective security access protocols, and ensure the resilience and security of their services. This implicitly necessitates the use of secure storage solutions, including cold storage, as a key component of a robust risk management framework for safeguarding client assets.

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MiCA as the Standard: MiCA effectively defines what constitutes a "qualified custodian" for crypto assets by setting the comprehensive authorization, organizational, operational, and prudential requirements for "providers of safekeeping and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients." Any entity authorized under MiCA for this service will, by definition, meet the standard of a qualified custodian within the EU.

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Reference: MiCA Regulation, Chapter 5 (Authorization and operating conditions for CASPs), specifically Section 3 (Operating conditions for CASPs), and Article 67 (Specific obligations for providers of safekeeping and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients).

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Stablecoin Regulation

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In Belgium, under the MiCA-implementing law, crypto-asset oversight is split between the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) and the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA), with the NBB responsible for certain aspects (e.g., prudential supervision of e-money institutions and issuers) and the FSMA for others (e.g., market conduct and consumer protection).

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In Belgium, crypto‑asset service providers (including stablecoins) are now supervised by the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) under MiCA, not by the FSMA.

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E-money Tokens (EMTs): These are crypto-assets that purport to maintain a stable value by referencing the value of one single fiat currency (e.g., a token pegged to EUR or USD). They are essentially a digital form of electronic money.

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Asset-Referenced Tokens (ARTs) are crypto-assets that are not electronic money tokens and that purport to maintain a stable value by referencing another value or right or a combination thereof, including one or more official currencies.

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Payment Tokens / Securities: Stablecoins that meet the definition of EMTs or ARTs under MiCA will be regulated under MiCA, and generally not as traditional "payment tokens" (unless they are simply utility tokens used for payment within a limited network) or "securities" (unless they fail to meet MiCA's stablecoin definitions and instead qualify as transferable securities under existing securities law). MiCA aims to provide a sui generis regime for crypto-assets.

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100% Backing: Issuers of ARTs and EMTs must at all times maintain a reserve of assets that is separate from their operational funds and covers 100% of the value of the outstanding stablecoins.

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Segregation and Custody: Reserve assets must be segregated from the issuer's own assets and held in custody by credit institutions or other authorized entities, ensuring safety and liquidity.

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Investment Restrictions: Reserve assets must be invested in highly liquid instruments with minimal market risk. For EMTs, the reserve assets must be invested in secure, low-risk assets denominated in the same currency as the EMT.

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Prudential Requirements: Issuers must hold a minimum amount of own funds, proportionate to the amount of stablecoins issued, to absorb potential losses.

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Authorization Required: Issuing ARTs or EMTs requires prior authorization from the competent authority (NBB or FSMA in Belgium, depending on the token type and issuer characteristics).

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ART Issuers: An entity wishing to issue ARTs must be a legal entity established in the EU and obtain authorization as an issuer of ARTs. The NBB will likely be the primary authority, especially if the issuer is a financial institution, or in coordination with the FSMA.

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EMT Issuers: Issuers of EMTs must either be an authorized credit institution or an authorized electronic money institution (EMI). In Belgium, EMIs are supervised by the NBB under the Law of 11 March 2018 (transposing EMD2).

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Whitepaper: Issuers must publish a comprehensive whitepaper, approved by the competent authority, containing detailed information about the issuer, the stablecoin, its underlying technology, risks, and redemption rights.

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EMT holders have the right to redeem their tokens at par value at any time without undue delay. ART holders have redemption rights, but these are subject to issuer-specific terms, redemption timelines, and conditions based on asset composition—not automatically at par on demand.

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Transparency: Issuers must clearly disclose the redemption policy, including any fees or conditions.

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MiCA is primarily designed for asset-backed stablecoins. It does not provide a specific regulatory framework for purely unbacked algorithmic stablecoins.

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Effectively, stablecoins that purport to maintain a stable value without holding a reserve of assets to back them are not covered by MiCA as either ARTs or EMTs and would largely be prohibited from operating at scale within the EU, as they would not meet the stringent reserve and redemption requirements. While not an explicit ban on all algorithmic mechanisms, it effectively mandates sufficient backing, making purely unbacked algorithmic models non-compliant for public issuance in the EU.

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The European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Commission are actively exploring the development and potential issuance of a digital euro, which would be a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for the Eurozone.

stablecointhe-european-central-bank-ecb
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Distinct Nature: A digital euro would be a direct liability of the ECB and would be legal tender, offering the highest level of safety and trust, unlike private stablecoins (EMTs or ARTs) which carry issuer and market risks.

stablecoindistinct-nature-a-digital-euro
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Coexistence and Competition: While the digital euro is intended to complement cash and private payment solutions, not replace them, it would provide an alternative, risk-free digital payment option. This could lead to competition with private stablecoins, potentially influencing their adoption and stability.

stablecoincoexistence-and-competition-while-the
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Regulatory Alignment: The framework for a digital euro (if issued) would be established through separate EU legislation, potentially incorporating elements similar to MiCA for distribution and access, but with the fundamental difference of being central bank money.

stablecoinregulatory-alignment-the-framework-for
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on markets in crypto-assets, and amending Regulations (EU) No 1093/2010 and (EU) No 1095/2010 and Directives 2013/36/EU and (EU) 2019/1937.

stablecoinregulation-eu-20231114-on-markets
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Loi du 11 mars 2018 relative au statut et au contrôle des établissements de paiement et des établissements de monnaie électronique, à l'accès à l'activité de prestataire de services de paiement, et à l'activité d'émission de monnaie électronique, et à l'accès aux systèmes de paiement. This law transposed PSD2 into Belgian law and regulates payment services and electronic money institutions, relevant for entities that might issue EMTs under MiCA's transitional provisions.

stablecoinloi-du-11-mars-2018
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

The 2018 Belgian law referenced remains in force but has been substantively modified by amendments published on 2025-01-20, as documented in the Stradalex database. Users should consult the consolidated version on ejustice.just.fgov.be to access the current legal text incorporating all amendments.

stablecoinurl-httpswwwejusticejustfgovbecgiloiloia1plimgcnx10imgcny9detail20180311392ffcallerimagea1lanfligne1-french-version--
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

ECB Digital Euro project is in an advanced preparation/pilot phase, with the Eurosystem having moved to the next phase in October 2025 and aiming for potential first issuance in 2029 if the digital euro Regulation is adopted in 2026.

stablecoineuropean-central-bank-ecb--
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue

(1 more unverified fact(s) )

Securities Classification

80%

Place of Settlement: Euroclear Belgium (formerly CIK SA/NV)

securitiesplace-of-settlement-cik-sanv
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Derivatives listed on the Euronext Brussels derivatives market

securitiesderivatives-listed-on-the-euronext
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Securities are primarily subscribed and traded through ordinary non‑competitive methods at specified prices; repurchase by the fund is no longer the main mechanism in Belgium.

securitiesnote-subscribed-and-traded-mainly
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Settlement Form: Traded on the cash market via Euronext Brussels

securitiessettlement-form-traded-on-the
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Regarding Belgium's mandatory e-invoicing implementation (effective 1 January 2026), there is a 3-month tolerance period through 31 March 2026 for good-faith compliance, which extends the effective compliance window to up to 15 months from the January 2026 start date.

securitiesmaturity-profile-3-to-12
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

In Belgium, interest rates for securities are now predominantly fixed at elevated levels (e.g., 25‑year average 4.13 % as of August 2026), and the older ‘discount‑to‑yield’ description no longer accurately reflects market practice.

securitiesinterest-rate-fixed-or-discount
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Belgian government bonds have maturities of 5 or 7 years, not a range of 7 to 10 years.

securitiesmaturity-profile-7-to-10
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

In Belgium, interest payments must be made at regular intervals (e.g., monthly or quarterly) under the legal framework; annual or capitalised payment frequencies are no longer applicable.

securitiesinterest-payment-frequency-annual-or
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%
80%

The Belgian Debt Agency issues medium-term state instruments with maturities across a broader spectrum, explicitly including 3, 5, 8, and 10 years, rather than a narrow 5-to-8-year window.

securitiesmaturity-profile-5-to-8
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

In Belgium, Certificates of Deposit issued by banks are covered by the national Deposit Guarantee Scheme, while Commercial Paper remains an uninsured, non-deposit market instrument; both are regulated by the FSMA/NBB framework.

securitiescertificates-of-deposit-and-commercial
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

The maturity profile for Belgian securities now primarily consists of maturities up to one year (3, 6, 12 months), with longer‑term (“more than one year”) offerings having been reduced or discontinued.

securitiesmaturity-profile-0-to-1
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%
80%

SICAV: Société d'Investissement à Capital Variable (open-ended investment company with variable capital)

securitiessicav-socit-dinvestissement-capital-variable
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

SICAF: Société d'Investissement à Capital Fixe (fixed-capital investment company)

securitiessicaf-socit-dinvestissement-capital-fixe
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Products traded on Euronext Brussels include options and futures on the BEL 20 index, as well as stock options.

securitiesproducts-traded-on-euronext-brussels
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Issued by the Treasury via two-monthly tenders centralized by Primary Dealers. Traded on Euronext Brussels and designed for market liquidity.

securitiesissued-by-the-treasury-via
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Admitted to the X-N account clearing system of the NBB, primarily held by private investors.

securitiesadmitted-to-the-x-n-account
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Issued quarterly with maturities ranging from 3 to 8 years and similar tax exemptions as OLOs.

securitiesissued-quarterly-with-maturities-ranging
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Belgian Treasury Bills are issued twice a month, dematerialised, and settled via the National Bank of Belgium (NBB), with maturities typically shorter than 12 months.

securitiesissued-weekly-during-tenders-dematerialised
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Multi-currency program launched in July 1996, issued on a tap basis among OECD member states’ banks with tax status similar to Treasury Certificates.

securitiesmulti-currency-program-launched-in-july
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Issued since 1991 as Treasury Notes, eligible for dematerialisation and clearing via NBB.

securitiesissued-since-1991-as-treasury
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Short or medium-term securities issued by financial institutions, traded on a public auction market but not eligible in Clearstream.

securitiesshort-or-medium-term-securities-issued
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Optiq: Enhanced multi-market Euronext trading platform

securitiesoptiq-enhanced-multi-market-euronext-trading
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Euronext Clearing: Main clearing house and CCP for exchange trades

securitieseuronext-clearing-main-clearing-house
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Foreign entities seeking to operate a digital asset exchange in Belgium must register as a "regulated entity" under the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA). The registration process involves submitting an application detailing:

securitiesforeign-entities-seeking-to-operate
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Business model and operational framework.

securitiesbusiness-model-and-operational-framework
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

AML/KYC procedures compliant with FATF recommendations.

securitiesamlkyc-procedures-compliant-with-fatf
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Capital adequacy demonstrating financial stability.

securitiescapital-adequacy-demonstrating-financial-stability
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Entities providing custodial services for digital assets must obtain a Custody License from the FSMA. Requirements include:

securitiesentities-providing-custodial-services-for
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Demonstrating compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations.

securitiesdemonstrating-compliance-with-anti-money-laundering
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Maintaining sufficient insurance coverage and implementing robust security measures.

securitiesmaintaining-sufficient-insurance-coverage-and
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Customer Due Diligence (CDD): Identification of customers through Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, including verification of identity and beneficial ownership.

securitiescustomer-due-diligence-cdd-identification
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of transactions to detect suspicious activities.

securitiesongoing-monitoring-continuous-monitoring-of
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Reporting: Mandatory reporting of suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

securitiesreporting-mandatory-reporting-of-suspicious
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Fines: Up to €500,000 for non-compliance with AML/KYC obligations.

securitiesfines-up-to-500000-for
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Suspension/Revocation of Licenses: Immediate suspension or revocation of licenses for serious violations, such as repeated failures in AML/CFT compliance.

securitiessuspensionrevocation-of-licenses-immediate-suspension
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Income Tax: Gains from the sale of digital assets are taxed as income at rates ranging from 25% to 50%, depending on the holding period.

securitiesincome-tax-gains-from-the
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Capital Gains Tax: Not applicable for long-term holdings exceeding one year.

securitiescapital-gains-tax-not-applicable
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

The evolving nature of blockchain technology poses challenges in adapting existing regulations, necessitating continuous updates by authorities.

securitiesthe-evolving-nature-of-blockchain
View article →
Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Enforcement actions have been sporadic, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines and more frequent audits to ensure consistent application of AML/KYC standards.

securitiesenforcement-actions-have-been-sporadic
View article →
Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Belgium lacks comprehensive legislation specifically targeting digital assets, creating uncertainty around legal frameworks governing initial coin offerings (ICOs) and security token offerings (STOs).

securitiesbelgium-lacks-comprehensive-legislation-specifically
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

USD Equivalent (as of October 2023): Approximately $10,800,000 USD (based on an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.08 USD).

securitiesusd-equivalent-as-of-october
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Belgian Federal Public Service Finance: FPS Finance Publications

securitiesbelgian-federal-public-service-finance
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

European Commission - AML/DT Guidelines: EC AML Guidelines

securitieseuropean-commission---amldt-guidelines
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue

(1 more unverified fact(s) )

Sanctions & Restrictions

80%

Example (Russia): Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, as amended by numerous subsequent regulations (e.g., Council Regulation (EU) 2022/328, Council Regulation (EU) 2022/394, Council Regulation (EU) 2022/428, and many more, most notably 2022/1904 prohibiting all crypto-asset wallet, account or custody services to Russian persons and residents, regardless of the amount of the crypto-assets). These amendments explicitly extended financial restrictions to crypto-assets.

sanctionsexample-russia-council-regulation-eu
View article →
Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

For U.S. sanctions and related regimes, “U.S. person” primarily includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, persons in the United States, and entities organized under U.S. law (and their foreign branches), but U.S. jurisdiction can also extend to certain non‑U.S. persons and entities—such as foreign entities owned or controlled by U.S. persons or those causing, conspiring to cause, or routing transactions through the United States—so coverage is broader than just citizens, residents, and U.S. entities.

sanctionstransactions-involving-us-persons-citizens
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

U.S. sanctions jurisdiction is generally triggered when U.S. dollar‑denominated transactions are processed or cleared through the U.S. financial system (for example, via U.S. correspondent banks, CHIPS, Fedwire, or other U.S. intermediaries), but using or denominating a transaction in U.S. dollars does not, by itself in all cases, guarantee that it will clear through the U.S. financial system or create a U.S. nexus.

sanctionstransactions-denominated-in-us-dollars
View article →
Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Use of U.S.-origin technology, software, services, or other U.S. nexus remains a key trigger for U.S. sanctions and export‑control jurisdiction, but the definition of a U.S. nexus has expanded beyond the simple ‘use of U.S.-origin technology or services’ to include foreign‑produced items incorporating specified U.S.-origin content (e.g., via rules like the 50 Percent Rule) and a broader range of U.S.-person technical services and support activities.

sanctionsuse-of-us-origin-technology-or
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Using a U.S.-based cloud server or other passive U.S. technical infrastructure, by itself, is no longer treated as sufficient to automatically subject an otherwise foreign crypto transaction to comprehensive U.S. regulatory jurisdiction; current practice focuses on more substantive U.S. contacts such as U.S. counterparties, marketing to U.S. persons, conduct within U.S. markets, or activities clearly covered by specific U.S. regulatory frameworks (e.g., securities, commodities, AML/sanctions), rather than any minimal ‘U.S. touchpoint.’

sanctionstransactions-that-occur-even-partially
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

VASPs must have robust, risk-based systems to screen customers (including, where relevant, beneficial owners) and, where appropriate based on risk, relevant counterparties and transaction participants against applicable sanctions lists; the scope and intensity of screening are determined by a risk-based assessment rather than a blanket obligation to screen every possible counterparty or transaction participant in all cases.

sanctionsobligation-vasps-must-implement-robust
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Belgian entities must primarily comply with the EU Consolidated List of Persons, Groups and Entities Subject to EU Financial Sanctions (asset freezes and related prohibitions), published and regularly updated by the EU and accessible via the EU sanctions map and data portal. However, this is not the only relevant list for Belgium: Belgium also maintains an autonomous national list for the freezing of terrorist assets, which extends the EU sanctions framework and must likewise be checked by obliged entities.

sanctionseu-consolidated-sanctions-list-this
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

For Belgian (EU) institutions, the legally required sanctions screening layer is the EU framework (which transposes UN measures and also applies autonomous EU listings); direct screening of the UN Security Council Consolidated List can be used as an additional, prudential layer, but it is neither sufficient nor the primary compliance basis and does not replace EU sanctions screening obligations.

sanctionsun-consolidated-list-although-usually
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

CTIF-CFI (Cellule de Traitement des Informations Financières / Cel voor financiële informatieverwerking) is Belgium’s Financial Intelligence Processing Unit (FIU) responsible for receiving and analyzing suspicious transaction reports and other AML/CFT-related information. The correct official website is https://www.ctif-cfi.be/; CTIF-CFI will only accept suspicious transaction reports via the goAML application as from 30 September 2024.

sanctionsctif-cfiu-cellule-de-traitement-des
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine remains in force but has been extensively and continuously amended, including by the 18th, 19th and 20th EU sanctions packages through 2025 and 2026, which significantly expand sectoral, trade and transaction bans (e.g., oil and LNG-related measures, payment services and anti‑circumvention rules). Any reference to this instrument must therefore be understood as referring to its latest amended form, not its original or earlier versions.

sanctionscouncil-regulation-eu-no-8332014
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue
80%

Directive (EU) 2018/1673 (the 6th Anti‑Money Laundering Directive, 6AMLD) remains in force as the EU’s harmonised criminal-law framework for money‑laundering offences, including in Belgium, but it is no longer the sole or exhaustive AML instrument: it now operates alongside a newer, broader EU AML package (including the directly applicable Anti‑Money Laundering Regulation and the creation of the Anti‑Money Laundering Authority), which overhauls and supplements—rather than formally repeals—earlier directives on prudential/preventive AML rules.

sanctionsdirective-eu-20181673-amld6
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Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue

(6 more unverified fact(s) )

Enforcement Actions

80%

Legal Basis: The Law of 18 September 2017 on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing and on the restriction of the use of cash. Specifically, Article 5, §1, 37° designates "providers of custodian wallets" as entities subject to AML/CFT obligations.

enforcementlegal-basis-the-law-of
Verified Aug 30, 2026 Report Issue

Regulatory Forecast

high confidence

Likely enforcement action expected around 2026-07-24

Based on 46 historical regulatory events for Belgium, averaging every 12 days, with increasing regulatory activity.

Trend: Increasing Data points: 46 Avg frequency: 12 days Last action: 2026-07-12

Recent Updates

2026-04-22(4 months ago)
medium BE

Specific Definition for Crypto: The current Belgian framework does not define a "qualified custodian" specificall...

Specific Definition for Crypto: The current Belgian framework does not define a "qualified custodian" specifically for digital assets beyond the "custodian wallet provider" designation under the AML Law. This designation focuses on AML/CFT compliance rather than broader financial regulatory standards.

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
medium BE

Scope: MiCA defines "safekeeping and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients" as the activity of saf...

Scope: MiCA defines "safekeeping and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients" as the activity of safeguarding or controlling crypto-assets or instruments giving access to crypto-assets on behalf of third parties.

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
high BE

MiCA as the Standard: MiCA effectively defines what constitutes a "qualified custodian" for crypto assets by sett...

MiCA as the Standard: MiCA effectively defines what constitutes a "qualified custodian" for crypto assets by setting the comprehensive authorization, organizational, operational, and prudential requirements for "providers of safekeeping and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients." Any entity authorized under MiCA for this service will, by definition, meet the standard of a qualified custodian within the EU.

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
high BE

Current Regime (Belgium): It is a registration regime, primarily focused on AML/CTF compliance. It does n...

Current Regime (Belgium): It is a registration regime, primarily focused on AML/CTF compliance. It does not imply a full prudential licensing similar to banks, traditional investment firms, or e-money institutions. The FSMA grants "registration" but does not "license" in the broader financial sense that implies comprehensive prudential oversight of capital, risk management beyond AML, consumer protection, etc.

2026-04-22(4 months ago)
medium BE

Belgian Treasury Department (FPS Finance) - Sanctions:

Belgian Treasury Department (FPS Finance) - Sanctions:

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
medium BE

EU Consolidated Sanctions List:

EU Consolidated Sanctions List:

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
medium BE

Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 (Russia Sanctions, as amended):

Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 (Russia Sanctions, as amended):

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
medium BE

OFAC Sanctions List (SDN List):

OFAC Sanctions List (SDN List):

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
medium BE

UN Security Council Sanctions Committees:

UN Security Council Sanctions Committees:

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
high BE

Authorization for ART/EMT Issuers: Issuers of Asset-Referenced Tokens (ARTs) and E-Money Tokens (EMTs) require sp...

Authorization for ART/EMT Issuers: Issuers of Asset-Referenced Tokens (ARTs) and E-Money Tokens (EMTs) require specific authorization from the FSMA (or the European Banking Authority for significant ARTs).

2026-04-22(4 months ago)
medium BE

Unlicensed Activity: Many enforcement actions relate to the provision of financial services (e.g., investment adv...

Unlicensed Activity: Many enforcement actions relate to the provision of financial services (e.g., investment advice, portfolio management, operating an exchange) involving crypto-assets without the required authorisation. If a token is deemed a financial instrument, any entity providing such services must be an authorized investment firm.

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
high BE

National Bank of Belgium (NBB): Supervises credit institutions, payment institutions, electronic money institutio...

National Bank of Belgium (NBB): Supervises credit institutions, payment institutions, electronic money institutions, and will be the competent authority for issuers of e-money tokens (EMTs) and often for asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) depending on the issuer.

2026-04-22(4 months ago)
high BE

Partial, Moving Towards Comprehensive: Before MiCA, Belgium's approach was characterized by specific AML/CFT regu...

Partial, Moving Towards Comprehensive: Before MiCA, Belgium's approach was characterized by specific AML/CFT regulations for certain crypto service providers, consumer warnings, and a general "wait and see" stance for broader market regulation. With MiCA's staggered implementation (July 2024 for stablecoins, December 2024 for other crypto-assets), Belgium is in the process of fully integrating a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto-asset issuance, trading, and services.

2026-04-22(4 months ago)
high BE

Mandatory NBB Registration: Before the full implementation of MiCA, any entity providing exchange services betw...

Mandatory NBB Registration: Before the full implementation of MiCA, any entity providing exchange services between virtual currencies and fiat currencies or custodian wallet services in Belgium must register with the National Bank of Belgium (NBB). This registration involves demonstrating compliance with strict AML/CFT obligations. The NBB maintains a public register of these entities.

2026-04-22(4 months ago)
medium BE

Belgian Level: As an EU Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 is directly applicable in Belgium without the n...

Belgian Level: As an EU Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 is directly applicable in Belgium without the need for national transposition into Belgian law. Belgium's existing AML/CFT framework (primarily the Law of 18 September 2017) provides the national enforcement and supervisory structure, and will be supplemented by the TFR.

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
high BE

The Travel Rule in Belgium (via the TFR) covers all Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) that are authorised or...

The Travel Rule in Belgium (via the TFR) covers all Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) that are authorised or registered to provide crypto-asset services in the EU, as defined under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation (EU) 2023/1114.

enforcement View article →
2026-04-22(4 months ago)
high BE

EU Framework: Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 states that Member States (like Belgium) "shall lay down rules on penalti...

EU Framework: Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 states that Member States (like Belgium) "shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented."

2026-04-22(4 months ago)
high BE

All CASPs (as defined by MiCA) are covered.

All CASPs (as defined by MiCA) are covered.

enforcement View article →
2026-04-29(4 months ago)
high BE

EMTs: Purport to maintain stable value by referencing a single fiat currency. Largely mirror existing e-money dir...

EMTs: Purport to maintain stable value by referencing a single fiat currency. Largely mirror existing e-money directives. In Belgium, the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) is designated as the competent authority for EMT issuers MiCA Regulation (EU) 2023/1114.

2026-04-29(4 months ago)
medium BE

MiFID II (Directive 2014/65/EU): Defines financial instruments and regulates trading venues, investment firms, an...

MiFID II (Directive 2014/65/EU): Defines financial instruments and regulates trading venues, investment firms, and market structure MiFID II Directive.

enforcement View article →
2026-07-12(1 month ago)
high BE

Future Regime (EU MiCA): The upcoming EU Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation will introduce a comprehensive, h...

Future Regime (EU MiCA): The upcoming EU Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation will introduce a comprehensive, harmonized licensing regime across the EU for a much broader range of crypto-asset services. This will supersede the current national AML-driven registration frameworks for many activities.

This profile is maintained by AI research workers and updated regularly. Connect via MCP for programmatic access.