PCF hiring for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) in Ireland
MiCA authorisation is as much about people as paperwork. Your lawyers build the application. The Central Bank still needs to see the right people, based in Ireland, leading the firm.
The Central Bank has been clear on this. In its briefing for CASP applicants, it listed board composition and key PCF roles not being identified as areas to improve. It has also highlighted local substance and staffing for PCF and non-PCF roles as a challenge for applicants.
PCF and board appointments for CASPs
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CEO (PCF-8)
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Head of Finance (PCF-11)
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INEDs and Chair
Plus other PCF and senior hires across operations, technology and commercial teams.
What makes CASP hiring different
Few people combine real digital assets experience with an Irish regulatory track record. The best of them are usually in demand. Hires also need to be timed with your application, so the Central Bank can see who will run the firm.
If your group also holds an EMI licence, the Central Bank has addressed dual-hatting of PCF holders between an EMI and a CASP in the same group in its MiCA FAQs. Check with your advisers before assuming one person can cover both.
How Nexus Search helps
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Nexus Bench, including for firms applying for authorisation: a named map of who could take each PCF seat, refreshed every six months.
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Engaged search for your first PCFs and board.
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Hires sequenced with your lawyers, so the right people are in place when the application needs them.
Selected appointments in digital assets
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European CEO, and Head of Compliance and MLRO, for a US digital assets exchange establishing its EU entity in Ireland. Case Study
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INED for an exchange holding both CASP and EMI licences.
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CRO and Executive Director for a MiCA applicant in Malta.
Common questions
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When should we start hiring our PCFs? Early enough that your key PCFs can be named in your application. The Central Bank expects to see them.
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Do our PCFs need crypto experience? They need to be credible to the Central Bank for your business model. That usually means digital assets exposure plus a regulated track record. Paul will tell you honestly where the market is thin.
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Can our PCFs be based outside Ireland? The Central Bank expects key decision-making and risk management to sit in Ireland. Your lawyers can advise on your set-up.