In this episode of the Blockchain Ireland Leaders Insights Series, host Paul Hearns engages with two seasoned experts to explore one of the most critical challenges facing startups in the blockchain and crypto industries: navigating the path to Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorization under the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation. Joining the conversation are Christopher Martin, a regulatory lawyer and partner at KPMG Law, and Neil Fleming, Executive Director of Fortuna Solutions, who brings practical insights from the perspective of a startup navigating the regulatory maze.

The episode begins with an exploration of how MiCA has reshaped the regulatory landscape for crypto businesses, providing a framework to ensure market stability, consumer protection, and operational resilience. Christopher Martin offers a detailed breakdown of the legal and compliance requirements for CASP authorization, explaining the Central Bank of Ireland’s expectations and the broader implications of operating in a highly regulated environment. From safeguarding client assets to ensuring transparency and operational continuity, Christopher shares invaluable insights into what regulators look for in applications and how businesses can align with these expectations.

Neil Fleming shares his firsthand experience from Fortuna Solutions, one of the few Irish-based companies to secure Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration. He offers a candid view of the practical challenges startups face, from assembling a capable team with compliance expertise to adapting their business models to meet stringent regulatory demands. Neil’s insights emphasize the importance of planning, adaptability, and viewing regulation as a strategic advantage rather than a barrier to entry.

Throughout the discussion, the conversation highlights the broader ecosystem of regulations impacting crypto startups, including the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. Christopher and Neil stress the importance of understanding how these intersecting frameworks influence the compliance journey and why startups must approach them holistically.

Available on the Blockchain Ireland website: https://www.blockchainireland.ie/podcasts/

Host: Paul Hearns - Co-chair of the Events and Comms Working Group, Blockchain Ireland

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhearns/

Christopher Martin, Partner, KPMG Law Ireland

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-martin/

https://kpmglaw.ie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpmg-law-ireland/

Neil Fleming, Executive Director of Fortuna Solutions

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-fleming-a82715/

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About Blockchain Ireland

Blockchain Ireland is an initiative aimed at promoting and enhancing Ireland's position as a global hub for blockchain technology. It was launched by the Irish Blockchain Expert Group (IBEG), led by IDA Ireland, and includes a collaboration of Irish-based organizations.

The main goals of Blockchain Ireland are to serve as a central source of information on the growing blockchain, crypto and Web3 ecosystem, to support the development of blockchain technology in Ireland, and to create awareness of industry developments both nationally and internationally.

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