Concrete tools

Article · Dated: June 2026

Changes to Liechtenstein Trust Law as of 1 July 2026

Significant changes to Liechtenstein trust law take effect on 1 July 2026, tightening in particular the requirements on transparency and governance for trusts.

A new function – the person entitled to information – is introduced. In addition, charitable trusts will in future be subject to supervision by the Foundation Supervisory Authority (STIFA) and to a requirement to appoint a statutory auditor.

For questions on the new rules: mathias.hemmerle(at)areva.li

Article · Dated: May 2026

Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs): New Audit Obligations under MiCAR

With the EU Regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCAR) incorporated into the EEA Agreement, a uniform supervisory framework for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) now applies in Liechtenstein as well, via the EEA MiCA Implementation Act (EWR-MiCA-DG). Providers previously registered under the Token and Trustworthy Technology Service Provider Act (TVTG) benefited from a transitional period. Under Art. 143(3) MiCAR, this expires at the latest on 1 July 2026.

From that date, any provider offering crypto-asset services in the EEA requires authorisation as a CASP under MiCAR from the Financial Market Authority (FMA). An authorisation granted in Liechtenstein allows, through EEA-wide passporting, the provision of services in all EEA member states.

Authorisation comes with an annual audit obligation: CASPs must have their financial statements audited by an independent auditor, including a transparent breakdown of revenue sources. This creates a new, specially regulated mandate area for suitably licensed audit firms.

We recommend that existing TVTG providers review their authorisation status well ahead of 1 July 2026 and plan early for the annual audit requirement. AREVA holds the relevant licence as an audit firm for specially regulated entities and supports clients with the independent audit under MiCAR.

For questions on the new rules: thomas.rueegsegger(at)areva.li

Article · Dated: September 2026

EU relief on sustainability reporting: far fewer companies affected

Liechtenstein implemented the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) as of 1 July 2024 through amendments to corporate law (PGR), the Auditor Act (WPG) and the Disclosure Act (OffG). Large undertakings and parent companies of large groups have since had to prepare for a reporting obligation starting with financial year 2025.

Under the new EU "stop-the-clock" Directive (EU) 2026/470, the scope is now significantly narrowed: going forward, only undertakings or groups with more than 1,000 employees and net turnover exceeding EUR 450 million will be required to prepare a sustainability report. The corresponding implementation in Liechtenstein is planned to take effect on 1 March 2027.

For many companies that had already started preparing organisationally for the original, lower thresholds, the reporting obligation now falls away entirely, or at least for the time being. We recommend that affected clients review their reporting status against the new thresholds before committing further resources to building out sustainability reporting.

For questions on the new rules: ferdinand.schurti(at)areva.li