[The EU Plans to Grant ESMA Direct Regulatory Authority Over Cryptocurrency Businesses] The EU executive body plans to grant the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) new powers to directly regulate all crypto asset service providers within the region and oversee the authorization of new enterprises. According to the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), crypto businesses currently need to obtain authorization in at least one member state. The relevant draft is expected to be officially announced next month.