<

EU Introduces Regulatory Framework for Crypto-Assets (MiCA)

In a significant move, the European Union (EU) has taken a major step towards regulating the crypto-assets sector by adopting a new regulatory framework called Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA). This marks the first time the EU has established a legal framework for the crypto-assets industry, bringing crypto-assets, crypto-asset issuers, and crypto-asset service providers under its purview.

The adoption of MiCA by the Council of the EU reflects the growing recognition of the need to protect investors and address concerns related to money laundering and terrorism financing within the crypto industry. Elisabeth Svantesson, the Minister for Finance of Sweden, expressed her satisfaction with this development, stating that recent events have underscored the urgency of imposing rules to safeguard Europeans who have invested in these assets.

One of the key objectives of MiCA is to enhance transparency and establish a comprehensive framework for issuers and service providers in the crypto-assets space, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. The regulation covers various types of crypto-assets, including utility tokens, asset-referenced tokens, and stablecoins. Additionally, it encompasses service providers such as trading venues and crypto-asset wallets.

The regulatory framework introduced by MiCA aims to strike a balance between protecting investors, preserving financial stability, fostering innovation, and enhancing the attractiveness of the crypto-asset sector. By harmonizing regulations across the EU, the framework addresses the global nature of crypto markets and improves upon the current situation, where some member states have their own national legislation in place.

The proposal for MiCA was presented by the European Commission on September 24, 2020, as part of the larger digital finance package. This package seeks to establish a European approach that promotes technological development, ensures financial stability, and safeguards consumer protection.

In addition to MiCA, the package includes a digital finance strategy, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which covers crypto-asset service providers, and a proposal for a distributed ledger technology (DLT) pilot regime for wholesale uses.

The digital finance package bridges the existing gap in EU legislation, enabling the use of new digital financial instruments without compromising the regulatory framework. It aims to support innovation and the adoption of new financial technologies while maintaining an appropriate level of consumer and investor protection.

The Council of the EU adopted its negotiating mandate for MiCA on November 24, 2021. Following trilogues between the co-legislators, a provisional agreement was reached on June 30, 2022. Today’s formal adoption of the regulation by the Council marks the final step in the legislative process.

With the adoption of MiCA, the EU has demonstrated its commitment to establishing a robust regulatory framework for the crypto-assets industry. The move is expected to enhance investor confidence, mitigate risks associated with money laundering and terrorism financing, and foster innovation in the digital finance sector. As the global landscape for cryptocurrencies continues to evolve, the EU’s proactive approach sets an important precedent for other jurisdictions grappling with the regulation of crypto-assets.

Read more:

Join us on Telegram

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Reddit

You might also like

LATEST NEWS

LASTEST NEWS