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The European Securities and Markets Agency (ESMA) proposes strict guidelines requiring crypto companies to ensure staff meet competence and regulatory standards prior to employment. European crypto companies need to ensure that their staff meet new capabilities and training standards.
Europeans seeking jobs in the rapidly growing crypto industry must prove they have the expertise to meet new regulatory standards. The European Securities and Markets Agency (ESMA) has issued a set of proposed guidelines requiring that employees meet strict knowledge and competence requirements before crypto companies can hire or continue in the sector.
According to the official announcement, the move aims to restructure employment practices and introduces a new era in which technical understanding and awareness of compliance are key to ensuring the role of the industry. As the digital asset market matures, the era of companies with qualified staff to handle complex financial services is coming to an end.
#ESMA has launched consultations on criteria for assessing the knowledge and capabilities of staff at crypto asset service providers who provide information or advice regarding the #CryptoAssets or Crypto-Asset services.
@Send a comment by April 22, 2025 → https://t.co/9t4at6mkzf. pic.twitter.com/nfuy7iv6dz
– ESMA – EU Securities Markets Regulatory Authority (@ESMACOMMS) February 17, 2025
New Qualifications for Cryptographers
Under the new proposed guidelines, anyone considering working in a cryptographic position should demonstrate their expertise in several key areas, including blockchain fundamentals, market operations, risk management, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory frameworks that manage digital assets.
For advice roles, candidates must have three years of tertiary degree plus at least one year of supervised experience or other approved education and practical industry exposure. Additionally, advisors must complete 20 hours of professional development training each year to keep their knowledge up to date.
For roles that include direct customer interactions, candidates should receive a minimum of 10 hours of professional training, in addition to a formal degree.
Regulators emphasized that while cryptographic awareness is growing, detailed knowledge among market participants remains limited. This is intended to be addressed through these new employment standards.
Annual evaluations and supervised training
In addition to employment requirements, the new guidelines require cryptographic service providers to conduct annual capacity reviews of employees and maintain thorough documentation on staff qualifications for regulatory audits.
According to the market watchdog, those who lack the required credentials may still work in the industry, but only under up to four years of supervision.
Despite the strict nature of these proposals, ESMA leaves room for industry opinion. The regulator has accepted public feedback on the proposed guidelines until April 22nd, and will then finalize the rules based on stakeholder input by the third quarter of 2025.
According to the announcement, the new guidelines will be fully integrated into the law 60 days after they are published in all official EU languages.
A more strict regulatory environment
Meanwhile, the latest move is part of ESMA’s broad efforts to ensure the crypto industry is consistent with traditional financial market standards. In January, regulators introduced new rules aimed at preventing conflicts of interest between crypto companies.
At the time, market watchdog revealed that digital asset service providers needed to isolate certain business activities for compliance purposes.
In March 2024, regulators officially established a set of rules for digital asset service providers operating domestically. These regulations define the specific criteria that companies must meet in order to obtain operational licenses and to conduct legal business in the European market.
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Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing fair and transparent reporting. This article is intended to provide accurate and timely information, but should not be considered financial or investment advice. Market conditions can change quickly, so we recommend that you review your information yourself and consult with an expert before making a decision based on this content.
Chimamanda is a crypto lover and an experienced writer focusing on the dynamic world of cryptocurrency. She joined the industry in 2019 and has since become interested in emerging economies. She combines her passion for blockchain technology with a love for travel and food, bringing a fresh and engaging perspective to her work.
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