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MiCA crypto regulation comes to the European Union. Voted by member states of the European Parliament, it is hoped that the measures will bring some much-needed clarity on how to control the cryptocurrency market.
After devastating failures such as the collapse of LUNA and FTX in the blockchain industry throughout 2022, MiCA aims to protect market participants. The new regulatory framework aims to improve consumer protection and make crypto-asset issuers and service providers more accountable.
amid rumors to Coinbase In search of a new legal home, the new rules of the European Union Parliament are expected to drive the wave of change around the world.
What exactly does the MiCA range cover? Will regulation of crypto assets in Europe change how we use DeFi and NFTs? When will the European Commission start implementing the changes?
What is the MiCA regulation?
MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets) is financial services legislation that aims to standardize how digital assets are regulated across multiple European jurisdictions. It gives lawmakers across Europe a consistent set of rules for managing cryptocurrency stored on a distributed ledger (DLT) or similar technology, such as blockchain or DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph).
A new anti-money laundering “travel rule” requires crypto companies to record all details of cryptocurrency transactions, including sender and recipient profiles. Ironically, this is one of the innate fundamentals of blockchain technology.
In addition, transactions of more than €1,000 between exchanges and self-hosted wallets must be reported. Understandably, this angers many crypto users who value their privacy and anonymity.
MiCA objectives in Europe
With the main focus on ensuring financial stability and providing clarity across the world of digital finance, the main goals of MiCA regulation can be broken down into four main ways:
- Create a regulatory framework for crypto assets not already covered by financial services legislation.
- Supporting cryptocurrency based startups by providing secure and clear guidance.
- Protect cryptocurrency investors and market integrity by mitigating cryptocurrency market risks.
- Achieving consistent financial stability and regulation across Europe, while suppressing market manipulation.
To curb market manipulation, MiCA requires crypto-asset issuers and service providers to disclose information related to insider trading or other forms of market abuse.
What crypto assets does MiCA cover?
MiCA seeks to classify cryptocurrencies into different categories. It recognizes three types of cryptographic assets:
- referenced origin Tokens – As the name suggests, ARTs refer to crypto assets designed to maintain a stable value derived from multiple currencies, commodities, or baskets of crypto assets. ARTs should not be confused with stablecoins, which are pegged to the value of only one fiat currency. A good example of ART is Digix (DGX), a token tied to the value of gold.
- Electronic money codes These are assets designed to reflect the value of a single fiat currency that is legal tender. The cryptocurrency tokens refer to stablecoins and central bank digital currencies.
- diverse – This third category refers to any coding asset that is not ART or EMT. Utility tokens that allow their holders to access goods or services. Unlike a Security codeThese are not considered financial instruments under the typical securities laws of other countries.
It should be noted that DeFi activities, non-fungible tokens and any future ECB digital currencies (CBDCs) from the new MiCA regulation.
Cryptocurrency issuers
To protect crypto enthusiasts from the litany of fraud projects plaguing the crypto space, the MiCA regulatory standard aims to take the bar for crypto projects to a higher level. Issuers of crypto assets will need to fulfill certain obligations.
Cryptocurrency issuers will need to publish a White papers that adequately define job expectations. Furthermore, issuers also need to obtain proper authorization from their legislators before selling or creating tokens. Liquidity.
Cryptocurrency service providers
Service providers in the crypto-asset industry cover a wide range of companies. It applies to both crypto-based applications such as wallet software providers, trading platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance.
Under the new rules, service providers are legally liable for the loss of any crypto assets entrusted to them. This reduces risk for investors who hate Self-custodial portfolios. In fact, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) will have the power to intercept and ban service providers that do not adequately protect their users.
The environmental impact of the crypto-asset market
Another focus of the MiCA cryptocurrency regulations seeks to reduce the impact of cryptocurrencies on the environment. When the new rules were first discussed, the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs originally wanted to ban crypto proof-of-work networks such as Bitcoin (BTC).
Upon review, ECON takes a softer stance on proof-of-work but remains committed to mitigating environmental damage from cryptocurrencies. Mining. Crypto companies involved in cryptocurrency mining must provide an independent assessment of their potential energy consumption.
what happened after that?
In April 2023, the European Parliament passed a vote on the MiCA Encryption Regulation with the number 517 in favor and 38 against. Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao supported the new legislation, asserting that the MiCA rules offer “a practical solution to the challenges we collectively face.”
A successful vote confirmed that the new rules would be implemented. It is expected to come into effect sometime in 2024, with revised regulations addressing NFT and DeFi tools such as cryptocurrency lending.
Pros and cons of MiCA encryption regulation
Whether you are a crypto maven or a complete newbie, you will be affected by the new rules if you live in the European Union. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of MiCA regulation.
Positives
- Greater clarity about European crypto regulation MiCA is the most comprehensive regulatory framework in the crypto-asset industry and will help legitimize crypto-based businesses in the EU.
- Protect cryptocurrency investors – Providers and issuers are held liable for any losses of crypto assets, protecting investors.
- Standardization of regulatory frameworks across different jurisdictions Lawmakers across the EU would benefit from consistent rules and regulations.
cons
- Low privacy and anonymity – Part of the MiCA regulation requires that withdrawals over €1,000 be declared to self-hosted wallets. In many respects, this goes against the spirit of blockchain technology.
- Difficult to implement Crypto users who want to protect their privacy online can easily find ways to get around the new rules. Privacy coins and dApps are specifically designed to bypass traditional tracking methods, making it difficult to track crypto transactions.
on the flip side
- Code regulation is a complex business. On the one hand, it helps legitimize the industry and is a sign that cryptocurrencies are maturing. On the other hand, it gets in the way of the core of why decentralized and anonymous networks exist in the first place.
Why should you bother
MiCA’s regulatory framework is the first of its kind. It is the most comprehensive and detailed legislative body in the crypto industry. If the MiCA rules are seen to be successful, it is likely that other states will look to impose similar regulations.
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