Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation has now been in full effect for six months, reshaping the crypto industry across the EU. So far, 14 stablecoin issuers from seven countries have secured authorization, issuing 20 e-money tokens (EMTs), while 39 Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) have obtained licenses across nine jurisdictions. Key players like Coinbase, Kraken, and Bitpanda are among the licensed firms, alongside traditional financial institutions such as BBVA. However, no asset-referenced token (ART) issuers have emerged, indicating limited demand. Over 10,000 EU crypto businesses face regulatory adjustments, with 42% expecting higher compliance costs. Despite challenges, investor confidence is growing, with regulated stablecoins projected to see a 35% market cap increase. The EU crypto market is forecasted to reach $1.2 trillion by 2025, with 75% of firms likely to appoint compliance officers by mid-2025.
about MiCA Reshapes EU Crypto: 14 Stablecoins, 39 CASPs LicensedPatrick Hansen
0 posts last weekESMA Flags Malta’s MiCA Licensing Shortcomings
ESMA’s peer review report highlights concerns over Malta’s approval of a crypto asset service provider (CASP) under MiCA, citing unresolved material issues and weak risk assessment. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) granted the license despite these lapses, raising doubts about full MiCA compliance. Malta is among the top MiCA license issuers in the EU, with five approvals so far. ESMA urges stricter scrutiny in high-risk areas like governance, conflicts of interest, and DeFi/Web3 services. The report emphasizes the need for clear risk warnings and MiCA-aligned customer experiences.
about ESMA Flags Malta's MiCA Licensing ShortcomingsEU Approves 53 Crypto Firms Under MiCA, Excludes Tether & Binance
The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation has granted licenses to 53 crypto firms within six months of its implementation, enabling them to operate across 30 EEA countries without additional approvals. Among them, 14 are authorized stablecoin issuers, including Circle and Societe Generale, while 39 are crypto-asset service providers like Coinbase and Kraken. Notably, Tether (USDT) and Binance are missing due to non-compliance, leading to delistings in the EU. Germany leads in issuing licenses, followed by the Netherlands and Malta. This milestone highlights the EU’s push for crypto compliance, though gaps remain with key industry players.
about EU Approves 53 Crypto Firms Under MiCA, Excludes Tether & BinanceMiCA’s First 100 Days: Crypto Firms Struggle to Comply
The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, now in effect for 100 days, has left much of the crypto industry struggling to comply. Only 11 stablecoin issuers and 15 crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) have received authorization, according to data from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Without a MiCA license, firms cannot operate across the European Economic Area (EEA), pushing companies to expedite their applications. Notably, no asset-referenced token (ART) issuers have been approved yet, and regulators have received just 25 white papers for non-EMT or ART tokens, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Italy’s CONSOB has already added 15 non-compliant entities to its list, signaling stricter enforcement. Approved stablecoin issuers include Circle (USDC) and Societe Generale, while Tether (USDT) remains absent, leading to delistings in the EU. On the CASP front, major platforms like Crypto.com and OKX are among the 15 authorized providers, with Germany leading in approvals. The slow uptake underscores the crypto industry’s ongoing adaptation to MiCA’s stringent requirements.
about MiCA's First 100 Days: Crypto Firms Struggle to ComplyGermany’s Bitcoin Initiative Aims to Set New Digital Currency Standards
German policymakers are intensifying efforts to integrate blockchain and Bitcoin into the financial system, with former Finance Minister Christian Lindner proposing measures such as issuing bonds on the blockchain and allowing Bitcoin ETFs in the EU. After seizing 50,000 Bitcoins from a piracy site, the government generated over $2.8 billion but faced criticism as Bitcoin’s price surged past $100,000 shortly after the sales. With Bitcoin trading above $90,000 and a pro-Bitcoin administration in the US, Germany is revisiting its Bitcoin strategy to capitalize on missed opportunities.
about Germany's Bitcoin Initiative Aims to Set New Digital Currency Standards