• The European Union recently signed the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations into law on May 31, setting up the first-of-its-kind crypto legislation.
• MiCA defines a crypto asset and establishes standards for cryptocurrency asset issuers and crypto asset service providers.
• Stablecoin rules will take effect from June 30, 2024 and exchange rules will come into effect on Dec. 30, 2024.
EU’s New Crypto Law: MiCA
The European Union signed the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations into law on May 31, making way for the landmark regulatory guidance on crypto assets and service providers to come into effect. The framework was published in the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) on June 9, triggering the countdown for the law to come into effect.
Defining “Crypto Asset”
MiCA defines a crypto asset as “a digital representation of value or rights which may be transferred and stored electronically, using distributed ledger technology or similar technology”. The legislation also offers guidance on what qualifies as “cryptocurrencies” and what makes certain digital assets “tokens”.
Standards for Crypto Service Providers
Issuers of crypto assets are required to follow standards governing disclosure and openness, offering complete and transparent information about their issued assets. Additionally, CASPs must adopt security measures and adhere to Anti-Money Laundering regulations with separate legal entities being established by MiCA legislation. They must also be able to counteract market manipulation and abuse under supervision of regulators like the European Banking Authority.
Timelines for Implementation
Stablecoin rules will apply from June 30, 2024 while rules for exchanges will take effect from Dec. 30, 2024 giving businesses set timelines to implement compliance with MiCA requirements such as providing a white paper containing key information about any stablecoins they issue before they can become operational in any EU member state..
Making Europe a Digital Asset Hub
The implementation of MiCA gives Europe an advantage in becoming one of the leading digital asset hubs around world due to its clear set of regulation that provides confidence surrounding operations within this space for users both within Europe or internationally looking at engaging with them