Reed Smith, a global law firm with 30 offices across North America, Europe and Asia, has launched Aquarius, an automated compliance platform designed to help crypto companies navigate the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.
The platform automates crypto-asset classification, regulatory white paper generation, due diligence workflows, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures. Aquarius combines automated processes with legal expertise from Reed Smith’s “On Chain” digital asset practice.
The launch arrives as MiCA compliance demands intensify. On July 1, 2026, the MiCA transition period ended, eliminating temporary national exemptions that crypto companies had relied on. The regulation now applies across all 27 EU member states, establishing licensing, consumer protection, and operational requirements for digital asset service providers.
Last week, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) launched a supervisory review examining how custodians safeguard client assets and manage operational risks. The review underscores the ongoing scrutiny firms face after obtaining a MiCA license.
“Obtaining a MiCA license is only the beginning for custodians, who face ongoing scrutiny over cybersecurity, governance and ability to protect client assets,” said Sebastien Dessimoz, co-founder and managing partner of Taurus, a digital asset infrastructure provider.
Expansion Plans
Reed Smith plans to expand Aquarius to support crypto compliance regimes in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and Singapore, extending the platform’s reach beyond the EU market.
EU policymakers are also considering revisions to MiCA’s stablecoin framework, including rules governing non-euro-denominated stablecoins, which could create additional compliance requirements for digital asset platforms operating in the bloc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aquarius?
Aquarius is an automated compliance platform from Reed Smith that automates crypto-asset classification, regulatory white paper generation, due diligence workflows, and ESG disclosures.
Why does MiCA compliance matter now?
On July 1, 2026, the MiCA transition period ended, eliminating temporary national exemptions; the regulation now applies across all 27 EU member states.
Will Aquarius expand beyond the EU?
Reed Smith plans to expand Aquarius to support crypto compliance regimes in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and Singapore.
