ESMA Crypto Custody After MiCA Enforcement — Source: CoinGape Carlo Comporti will take over as ESMA chair on November 1, 2026, succeeding Verena Ross. ESMA plays a key role in implementing Mi
The European Union’s crypto regulatory framework is heading into a new phase with the new chair appointment. On October 9, Carlo Comporti announced taking over as chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) on November 1, 2026. His appointment comes as European policymakers consider expanding the authority’s direct supervisory role over financial markets, including parts of the crypto industry.
The Council of the European Union confirmed Comporti’s appointment on October 9, according to ESMA. He will succeed Verena Ross, who has led the EU’s financial markets regulator for the past five years.
The leadership change comes amid broader discussions about strengthening the EU’s financial market supervision with MiCA implementation already undergoing. The regulator is also working on reducing differences in how rules are applied across member states.
ESMA plays a central role in implementing the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which establishes common requirements for crypto-asset issuers and service providers. These rules cover areas including authorisation, disclosures, market abuse and investor protection.
Under the existing framework, national competent authorities generally authorise and supervise crypto-asset service providers. ESMA develops technical standards, issues guidance and coordinates supervisory practices to promote consistent implementation across the bloc.
However, the division of responsibilities could evolve as European policymakers examine proposals to give ESMA greater direct oversight of certain financial market participants. This includes some crypto-asset service providers.
EU finance ministers reached a compromise on proposed changes to financial market supervision on October 9. The discussions form part of broader efforts to strengthen European capital markets and improve cross-border supervision. The proposal still faces further negotiations before any new powers can take effect.
For the crypto industry, a move towards more centralised supervision could affect how businesses are monitored across different EU jurisdictions. It could also reduce inconsistencies in the application of regulatory requirements, although the ultimate impact will depend on the final legislation.
Comporti brings experience in both national and European financial regulation. He has served as a commissioner at Italy’s financial markets regulator, CONSOB, since February 2022.
During that period, he was a member of ESMA’s Board of Supervisors and Management Board and chaired its Digital Finance Standing Committee. As per the official press release, he also served on the board of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), where he chaired its Audit and Finance Committee.
Before joining CONSOB, Comporti held senior positions at Promontory, including CEO of Promontory Italy and COO of Promontory Europe between 2011 and 2022. He also served as secretary general of the Committee of European Securities Regulators, ESMA’s predecessor, from 2008 and played a role in the transition to the current authority in 2010 and 2011.
His previous involvement with ESMA’s digital finance work places him within the regulatory discussions surrounding the development of digital assets and financial technology.
In his first statement following the appointment, Comporti said European markets needed to develop and integrate further to support companies, investors and citizens. He also highlighted the importance of working with European institutions and financial-sector stakeholders.
MiCA has established a common regulatory framework for much of the EU’s crypto-asset market. Its implementation and enforcement remain important considerations for exchanges, stablecoin issuers, custodians and other crypto-asset service providers operating across the bloc.
The question of whether ESMA should assume a greater direct supervisory role adds another dimension to that framework. More centralised oversight could create a more consistent supervisory approach. It can also change the relationship between EU-level authorities and national regulators.
Comporti is due to take office on November 1. His appointment does not itself change existing crypto regulations or transfer new supervisory powers to ESMA. Those changes would depend on separate legislative decisions.
Europe’s Crypto Rulebook Has a New Boss: Who is Carlo Comporti? originally appeared on CoinGape
