How European Banks Are Preparing for MiCA and Digital Assets: A New Initiative on MiCA Compliance and ESG Reporting

The MiCA Crypto Alliance, in collaboration with BlackVogel, has launched the Future of Banking and Digital Assets initiative, which examines how European banks are preparing for the integration of digital assets into their operations. The initiative focuses on compliance, MiCA implementation, and sustainability reporting, and brings together a structured survey, targeted interviews, and a series of closed-door roundtables with institutions and regulators. Its purpose is to generate evidence-based insights that support the development of industry standards and informed regulatory discussions.

Why this initiative?

Digital asset activity is becoming increasingly relevant to regulated financial institutions. Banks are assessing how to operationalise MiCA requirements, determine licensing strategies, meet white paper obligations, and adapt existing governance processes. At the same time, sustainability teams are evaluating how digital asset activities fit into CSRD and wider ESG reporting frameworks. The initiative provides a structured mechanism to capture these developments, highlight common challenges and identify opportunities for cross-industry collaboration.

Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Assess banks' digital asset readiness in areas such as compliance, licensing and white paper obligations
• Map challenges and opportunities in aligning banking licences with emerging MiCA requirements
• Examine how banks integrate CSRD and ESG reporting into digital asset activities
• Provide a knowledge baseline that supports industry standards, regulatory dialogue, and the preparation of white papers

Approach

The initiative consists of four components:

• Survey: Distributed to EU banks. Themes include compliance practices, liability considerations, strategy, sustainability and the adoption of digital asset products.
• Interviews: In-depth discussions with selected institutions, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 banks. These follow the same structure as the survey but enable deeper qualitative insight.
• Analysis and Report: The findings will be consolidated into the Future of Banking and Digital Assets Report, to be shared with participating institutions.
• Roundtables: In early 2026, the Alliance will convene closed-door roundtables with banks, regulators and industry experts to validate findings and discuss emerging practices.

Timeline

• October to November 2025: Survey preparation and pilot
• November 2025 to January 2026: Survey distribution and interviews
• February 2026: Report drafting
• Q1 to Q2 2026: Roundtables and launch of findings

Expected Outcomes

The initiative is expected to deliver:

• A map of banks preparedness for digital asset activities
• Insights into how institutions are adapting compliance processes under MiCA
• Recommendations for integrating sustainability metrics into digital asset reporting
• Stronger dialogue between banks, regulators and the digital asset industry

How to Participate

Banks and financial institutions across Europe are invited to contribute to the survey or take part in the interview series. Participation helps ensure that regulatory discussions and industry standards reflect the realities faced by institutions across the sector.

To take part in the initiative, please complete the survey here: https://www.micacryptoalliance.com/future-of-banking-digital-assets