Blockchain.com has secured a pivotal Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license in Malta, positioning the island nation as its European operational hub while joining peers like Gate and Gemini in leveraging Malta’s gateway to the EU market. This strategic move unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regulatory scrutiny from European authorities, who have raised alarms about inconsistent supervision and potential ‘forum shopping’ within the new crypto regime.
about Blockchain.com Secures MiCA License in Malta Amid EU ScrutinyEuropean Securities and Markets Authority
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekEU Regulator Balances Tokenization Growth with Investor Safety
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is advocating for a balanced approach to tokenization as the market grows to approximately $600 billion globally. Executive Director Natasha Cazenave emphasized that while distributed ledger technology could transform financial markets, regulators must ensure innovation develops within frameworks that protect investors and maintain financial stability. Europe leads in tokenized fixed-income issuance, which tripled to €3 billion in 2023, with countries like Germany, France, and Spain pioneering digital bonds. However, concerns remain about investor misunderstanding, particularly when tokenized equities are structured as derivatives rather than direct ownership. ESMA supports making the EU’s DLT Pilot Regime permanent to provide a controlled testing environment for market participants.
about EU Regulator Balances Tokenization Growth with Investor SafetyMalta’s MFSA Falls Short in MiCA Crypto Licensing Review
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has found that Malta’s Financial Services Authority (MFSA) only ‘partially met expectations’ in the authorization process for a crypto asset service provider (CASP) under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). While the MFSA was praised for its supervisory setup and staffing, ESMA identified deficiencies in the licensing process and issued recommendations for improvement. This scrutiny underscores the EU’s push for stricter compliance in crypto regulation as MiCA implementation progresses.
about Malta's MFSA Falls Short in MiCA Crypto Licensing ReviewKraken Secures MiCA License for EU Crypto Expansion
Kraken has received a regulatory license under the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, granted by the Central Bank of Ireland. This authorization enables the exchange to offer crypto services across the EU and EEA, reinforcing its commitment to compliant expansion. The move comes shortly after Coinbase secured a similar license in Luxembourg, highlighting the industry’s push to align with MiCA. The euro now accounts for 17.5% of global fiat crypto trading volume, more than double from a year ago. However, concerns remain about firms exploiting lighter-touch jurisdictions under MiCA’s ‘passporting’ system, with ESMA currently reviewing Malta’s licensing practices.
about Kraken Secures MiCA License for EU Crypto ExpansionESMA Sets New Standards for Crypto Asset Service Provider Staff Competence
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has initiated a consultation to establish knowledge and competence criteria for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The proposed guidelines aim to ensure that employees advising on or providing information about crypto-assets possess adequate expertise, with differentiated standards based on their roles. Stakeholders can provide feedback until April 22, 2025, with final guidelines expected in Q3 2025.
about ESMA Sets New Standards for Crypto Asset Service Provider Staff CompetenceTether Criticizes MiCA Regulations Amid USDT Delistings in Europe
Tether expressed disappointment over the delisting of its USDt stablecoin by exchanges like Crypto.com in Europe, driven by the EU’s MiCA regulations. The company warned that these rushed actions could create risks for consumers and lead to a disorderly market, while also highlighting the complexities MiCA introduces for EU-licensed stablecoins. Despite these challenges, Tether remains committed to compliance and innovation in the evolving regulatory landscape.
about Tether Criticizes MiCA Regulations Amid USDT Delistings in EuropeCrypto.com to Delist Tether USDT in Compliance with EU MiCA Regulations
Crypto.com is set to delist Tether’s USDT and nine other assets in the EU to comply with the new Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA), which requires stablecoin issuers to be registered as electronic money institutions. Users will have until March 31 to convert their holdings to compliant assets, or they will be automatically converted. This move follows similar actions by other exchanges, including Coinbase, amid increasing regulatory scrutiny in the European crypto market.
about Crypto.com to Delist Tether USDT in Compliance with EU MiCA RegulationsEU Regulator Orders Delisting of Non-Compliant Stablecoins by 2025
The European Union’s securities regulator has mandated that crypto firms must delist non-compliant stablecoins by the end of Q1 2025 under the new Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework. This legislation categorizes stablecoins as asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) or electronic money tokens (EMTs) and aims to enhance supervision, consumer protection, and combat financial crimes. Compliance measures, including sufficient liquid reserves for stablecoin issuers, are now in effect, with Circle’s USDC having already aligned with MiCA standards.
about EU Regulator Orders Delisting of Non-Compliant Stablecoins by 2025