Carlo Comporti Appointed ESMA Chair Effective November 1, 2026
The Council of the European Union confirmed Carlo Comporti as the new ESMA chair starting November 1, 2026, succeeding Verena Ross after her five-year term.
Why it matters
The appointment places Comporti at the helm of the regulator responsible for implementing MiCA and coordinating crypto-asset supervision across the EU at a time when the bloc is considering expanding ESMA's direct supervisory powers.
Key facts
Carlo Comporti will become ESMA chair on November 1, 2026
Reported by CoinGape
Comporti succeeds Verena Ross, who led ESMA for five years
Reported by CoinGape
ESMA plays a central role in implementing the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)
Reported by CoinGape
European policymakers are discussing expanding ESMA's direct supervisory role over financial markets including crypto
Reported by CoinGape
What happened
CoinGape reported that Carlo Comporti announced on October 9 he will take over as chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) on November 1, 2026. The Council of the European Union confirmed the appointment the same day. Comporti succeeds Verena Ross, who has led the EU financial markets regulator for five years. The leadership change occurs as European policymakers discuss expanding ESMA's direct supervisory role over financial markets, including parts of the crypto industry, while MiCA implementation is already underway. ESMA develops technical standards and coordinates supervisory practices for MiCA, which sets common requirements for crypto-asset issuers and service providers across authorization, disclosures, market abuse, and investor protection.
How the story developed
- Update
Carlo Comporti announces ESMA chair appointment
Comporti announced he will take over as ESMA chair on November 1, 2026
- Official statement
Council of the European Union confirms appointment
The Council confirmed Comporti's appointment on October 9
- First report
First report by CoinGape
Europe’s Crypto Rulebook Has a New Boss: Who is Carlo Comporti?
How coverage built up
Independent sources over time, counted the way the consensus panel counts them: a republication of a wire story does not move the line.
- 12 Oct 2026, 13:13 UTC: CoinGape — 1 independent source, 1 reports
Affected entities
Also mentioned: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, USD Coin, NYSE
Original sources
| Publisher | Report | Role | Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoinGape Crypto media | Europe’s Crypto Rulebook Has a New Boss: Who is Carlo Comporti? | Original | |
| CoinGape Crypto media | BNY Expands Digital Asset Custody Platform in Europe Through MiCA-Registered Entity | Independent |
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