Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
493. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of virtual asset service providers (VASPs) that have been registered with the Central Bank of Ireland under the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2021 since its commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12645/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra494. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of applications refused or revoked for virtual asset service provider registration under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12646/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 494 together.
I am advised by the Central Bank of Ireland that, from the period of April 2021 to December 2025, it acted as the competent authority for the registration of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, as amended.
During the lifetime of this VASP regime - April 2021 to December 2025 - it engaged with a large volume of firms who were seeking VASP registrations, ultimately registering 22 firms, which were supervised for AML/CFT purposes only. A number of firms subsequently did not obtain registration, including where they withdrew their application after significant engagement with the Central Bank of Ireland.
Following the implementation of the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCAR), which changes the legislative regime for crypto asset service providers, there was a requirement for any firm operating and previously registered as a VASP to apply for authorisation as a CASP, if the firm wished to continue providing crypto-related services. The transitional period to do so ended on 30 December 2025. Therefore, there are currently no VASPs now registered with the Central Bank of Ireland.
To date, the Central Bank of Ireland has authorised 11 CASPs under the new regime that pertains under Article 63 of MiCAR.
