# EU

Binance MiCA License Talks Advance as EU States Invite New Application, Teng Says

Binance is actively negotiating with multiple European Union member states to secure a regulatory license under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. Co-CEO Richard Teng confirmed these discussions during the Reuters NEXT Asia conference, noting that the exchange is seeking a stable regulatory foothold following the withdrawal of previous applications in Greece and France. The decision to abandon the Greek application was driven by persistent regulatory delays and the approaching July 1, 2026, MiCA deadline. Despite these setbacks, Binance maintains that the European market remains a key strategic priority for its long-term operations. Simultaneously, the exchange is diversifying its global footprint by expanding into Asian markets, including a recent push in the Philippines via Blockshoals Technologies. Institutional adoption on the platform is also showing resilience, with institutional clients increasing by 9% this year and professional users now accounting for 7% of the total base. Successfully navigating the MiCA licensing process is critical for Binance to ensure uninterrupted service for European users and to solidify its standing as a compliant global financial infrastructure provider.

tokenpost.com·4d ago

MiCA Licensing Advances Unevenly Across Europe: Germany Leads with 57 Approvals

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MiCA Licensing Advances Unevenly Across Europe: Germany Leads with 57 Approvals

The European Union and European Economic Area are experiencing an uneven rollout of MiCA licensing as the July 1 transitional deadline approaches. ESMA interim data reveals that 244 crypto-asset service providers have secured authorization across the region, highlighting significant disparities in national regulatory implementation. Germany currently leads the market with 57 approvals, accounting for approximately 23% of the total, followed by France with 26 authorizations. While the Netherlands remains a major hub, five EU member states have yet to issue any licenses, and Italy currently leads the ESMA non-compliant register. This fragmented regulatory landscape presents both opportunities and risks for the RWA market, as institutional adoption relies on consistent cross-border access. While unified standards aim to provide a clearer footing for DeFi and tokenized assets, the current variance in national speeds creates compliance hurdles for service providers. Ultimately, the uneven distribution of licenses underscores the challenges of harmonizing digital asset oversight across diverse jurisdictions, which remains a critical factor for the long-term scalability of tokenized financial products in Europe.

cryptorank.io·4d ago

Binance CEO Says MiCA Is Backfiring as EU Users Move Beyond Regulators’ Reach

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Binance CEO Says MiCA Is Backfiring as EU Users Move Beyond Regulators’ Reach

Binance co-CEO Richard Teng recently revealed that 70% of European Union users who exited the platform following the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation have transitioned to self-custody solutions. This shift indicates that stringent regulatory frameworks may inadvertently drive users away from centralized, compliant exchanges toward decentralized alternatives that operate outside the direct oversight of regional authorities. By moving assets into self-custody, these users are effectively bypassing the compliance measures that MiCA was designed to enforce across the European digital asset market. This trend highlights a significant challenge for policymakers attempting to balance consumer protection with the preservation of market accessibility. For the broader RWA sector, this movement suggests that institutional-grade compliance may face friction if users prioritize sovereignty over regulated centralized platforms. The data underscores a growing preference for personal control over digital assets, which could influence how future RWA protocols design their custody and access layers. Ultimately, the migration away from regulated venues poses a risk to the intended transparency and oversight goals of the MiCA framework.

BeInCrypto·4d ago

MiCA Doesn’t Solve All Europe’s Crypto Regulation Problems

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#Stablecoins #MiCA #Regulation

MiCA Doesn’t Solve All Europe’s Crypto Regulation Problems

The Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) establishes a unified legal framework for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and stablecoin issuers across the European Union, with full implementation effective July 1, 2026. By replacing fragmented national regimes with a common passporting system, MiCA aims to standardize authorization, custody, and disclosure requirements to enhance market integrity. However, the framework faces significant limitations, particularly regarding its inability to effectively regulate decentralized finance (DeFi), staking, and complex financialized NFTs. Because MiCA was designed for identifiable centralized entities, it struggles to address protocols where governance and liability are distributed across DAOs and smart contracts. Furthermore, the regulation does not resolve the structural dominance of U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins over euro-denominated alternatives, nor does it provide investor compensation schemes equivalent to traditional securities. As the European Commission initiates reviews to address these gaps, the reliance on national competent authorities for enforcement risks creating inconsistent supervision across member states. Ultimately, while MiCA provides a necessary baseline for institutional compliance, it leaves critical areas of the RWA and DeFi ecosystem in a state of regulatory ambiguity.

bitcoinfoundation.org·5d ago

MiCA Says No Funny Money in Europe’s Stablecoin Basket

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MiCA Says No Funny Money in Europe’s Stablecoin Basket

The European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation has established a clear divide between regulated crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and stablecoin issuers. Currently, there are 280 registered CASPs and 21 authorized e-money token (EMT) issuers, yet zero authorized asset-referenced token (ART) issuers. This disparity indicates that the distribution layer is maturing faster than the development of complex, basket-based stablecoin products. By categorizing tokens into EMTs and ARTs, MiCA forces a shift toward single-currency tokens that align with traditional payment and treasury workflows. Consequently, CASPs are emerging as the primary gatekeepers of the European crypto economy, as their listing strategies now dictate market liquidity and regulatory compliance. This environment favors practical, bank-aligned stablecoins over experimental synthetic assets, which remain outside mainstream distribution. Ultimately, the success of European stablecoins will depend on their ability to integrate into existing financial infrastructure rather than their technical complexity.

#Stablecoins #MiCA #EU

pymnts.com·5d ago

Europe’s MiCA Did Not Approve a Single Asset Under This Category

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#Stablecoins #MiCA #Regulation

Europe’s MiCA Did Not Approve a Single Asset Under This Category

Two years after the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, the European Union has failed to approve a single Asset-Referenced Token (ART) issuer. While the broader regulatory framework has successfully licensed 280 crypto firms, the specific category for ARTs remains entirely dormant. Industry experts, including Hansen, are now calling for a comprehensive review of the MiCA framework to either rectify the restrictive requirements or eliminate the category entirely. This stagnation highlights a significant friction point for stablecoin and RWA issuers attempting to operate within the EU legal perimeter. The lack of progress suggests that current compliance burdens may be prohibitively high for entities seeking to tokenize assets under this specific classification. Consequently, the absence of approved issuers creates a competitive disadvantage for European firms compared to global counterparts. Addressing these regulatory bottlenecks is essential for the EU to maintain its relevance in the evolving landscape of digital asset tokenization.

BeInCrypto·6d ago

Stripe’s Bridge gains MiCA approval for EU stablecoin operations

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#Stablecoins #MiCA #Payments

Stripe’s Bridge gains MiCA approval for EU stablecoin operations

Luxembourg has granted Stripe's Bridge platform authorization as both a crypto-asset service provider and an Electronic Money Institution under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation. This dual approval enables Stripe to issue and manage stablecoin services across all 27 EU member states through a single, unified regulatory framework. By securing this status, Stripe gains a significant competitive advantage in the payments sector, positioning itself to facilitate compliant stablecoin transactions more effectively than many centralized exchanges. The move provides essential regulatory clarity that is expected to accelerate the adoption of digital assets for everyday payment use cases within the European market. This development marks a pivotal shift in the infrastructure layer of the RWA ecosystem, as major payment processors integrate stablecoins into their core offerings. The increased institutional legitimacy provided by MiCA compliance will likely force other payment providers to expedite their own regulatory strategies to remain competitive. Ultimately, this integration bridges the gap between traditional financial rails and blockchain-based assets, signaling a maturing landscape for stablecoin utility in the EU.

cryptorank.io·Jul 6

Binance Pulls Out of France After Missing EU MiCA Licensing Requirement

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Binance Pulls Out of France After Missing EU MiCA Licensing Requirement

Binance has suspended spot trading, deposits, and staking services for French users following its failure to secure a license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework by the June 30, 2026 deadline. This regulatory setback forced the exchange to halt operations across several EU member states, including France, Poland, Italy, and Spain, impacting approximately 2 million active users in France alone. While withdrawal functionality remains operational, the sudden service termination triggered significant capital flight, with blockchain analytics recording $1.6 billion in net outflows and a three-year high in Ethereum withdrawal activity. The situation highlights the critical importance of regulatory compliance as a competitive moat, as licensed rivals like Coinbase and OKX have launched aggressive marketing campaigns to capture displaced users. With only 244 entities out of 3,000 applicants receiving MiCA authorization, the framework is effectively consolidating the European market by favoring compliant platforms. This shift also extends to stablecoin issuers, as evidenced by the delisting of Tether’s USDT from regulated EU order books. For the broader RWA market, this event underscores how stringent regulatory standards are reshaping the infrastructure through which tokenized assets and digital currencies are accessed and traded within the European Economic Area.

Blockonomi·Jul 6

MiCA deadline expires July 1 bringing new era in Europe’s crypto regulation

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MiCA deadline expires July 1 bringing new era in Europe’s crypto regulation

The transitional compliance period for the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation officially concluded on July 1, mandating that all crypto asset service providers (CASPs) secure formal authorization to continue operations. This regulatory shift forces centralized exchanges, custodians, and token issuers to navigate rigorous licensing requirements or face immediate cessation of services within the region. While the deadline introduces short-term operational risks, including potential service suspensions, client capital withdrawals, and delays in new token launches, it represents a pivotal transition toward institutional-grade market integrity. For the RWA sector, this framework provides a standardized legal environment that could eventually foster greater trust and cross-border liquidity for tokenized assets. By establishing clear rules for issuers and service providers, MiCA aims to mitigate systemic risks and enhance investor protection across the European Economic Area. The expiration of this window marks the end of the grace period, signaling that European regulators are now prioritizing strict enforcement over market flexibility. Consequently, market participants must now operate under a unified regulatory umbrella that balances innovation with stringent compliance standards.

cryptorank.io·Jul 5

ESMA Adds 37 MiCA-Licensed Crypto Firms After Deadline

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ESMA Adds 37 MiCA-Licensed Crypto Firms After Deadline

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has expanded its official crypto-asset service provider register to 280 firms following the conclusion of the MiCA transitional period. This update adds 37 newly licensed entities, including major financial institutions like Standard Chartered, FalconX, and Sygnum Europe. The inclusion of CACEIS, the asset-servicing arm of Crédit Agricole, into the electronic money token register highlights the growing integration of traditional banking with digital asset infrastructure. While service provider licensing is accelerating across jurisdictions like Cyprus, France, and Italy, the register currently shows zero approved issuers for asset-referenced tokens. This disparity indicates that while institutional market access is maturing, the regulatory path for token issuers remains more complex and slower. By centralizing these approvals, ESMA is transitioning from a rulemaking body to a direct supervisor of the European digital asset market. This shift provides institutional investors with a standardized framework for counterparty due diligence and risk management. Ultimately, the register serves as a critical filter that legitimizes the RWA and crypto ecosystem within the European Union.

#DigitalAssets #MiCA #EU

coincentral.com·Jul 4

ESMA Adds 37 Crypto Firms to MiCA Register After Transition Ends

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ESMA Adds 37 Crypto Firms to MiCA Register After Transition Ends

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has updated its MiCA register by adding 37 licensed crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) following the conclusion of the transitional period. This update brings the total number of registered entities to 280, signaling a transition from rulemaking to active market supervision across the European Union. Notable additions include Standard Chartered, FalconX, Sygnum Europe, and CACEIS, reflecting increased institutional participation in the regulated digital asset space. Standard Chartered’s dual acquisition of MiCA and Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licenses highlights the strategic importance of combining digital asset services with traditional payment infrastructure. While CASP licensing is accelerating, the register for asset-referenced tokens remains empty, indicating a more cautious approach toward token issuance under the new framework. This shift creates a competitive filter where registered firms gain significant market access advantages over unlicensed competitors. Ultimately, the MiCA register is evolving into a critical tool for institutional due diligence, procurement, and risk management within the European financial ecosystem.

financefeeds.com·Jul 3

Binance says MiCA should be judged by who it licenses, not who it excludes

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Binance says MiCA should be judged by who it licenses, not who it excludes

Binance recently withdrew its MiCA license application in Greece after months of discussions with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, forcing the exchange to suspend services for affected users on short notice. Gillian Lynch, Binance's head of Europe and the U.K., argued that the success of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation should be judged by its ability to integrate firms into the regulated system rather than by exclusion. Despite reports from the Wall Street Journal suggesting ESMA advised regulators to reject the application due to financial-crime compliance concerns, Lynch maintained that the company's application was complete and that it remains committed to European regulation. The withdrawal highlights the significant friction major crypto entities face while attempting to align with the EU's new comprehensive regulatory framework. With approximately 80% of the 3,000 existing virtual asset service providers in the EU potentially unable to survive the transition, the market faces a massive migration of over 10 million users. Binance continues to emphasize its $300 million annual investment in compliance and its 1,500-person global compliance team as evidence of its commitment to maturity. This situation underscores the broader challenge of balancing stringent regulatory standards with the need for liquidity and market infrastructure in the evolving digital asset ecosystem.

CoinDesk·Jul 3

CoinFlip secures Italy MiCA license as EU crypto transition period ends

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CoinFlip secures Italy MiCA license as EU crypto transition period ends

CoinFlip has officially secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from Italy’s securities regulator, CONSOB, marking a significant expansion for the U.S.-based crypto platform into the European Union. This authorization allows the company to passport its services across all EU member states, establishing its European headquarters in Milan. The approval arrives immediately following the July 1 expiration of the EU's MiCA grandfathering period, which mandates that all crypto-asset service providers must hold formal authorization to operate within the bloc. By becoming the first international provider to operate under this new framework in Italy, CoinFlip gains a unified regulatory foundation to scale its operations. This transition represents a major shift from fragmented national licensing regimes to a harmonized, continent-wide regulatory standard. For the broader RWA and crypto market, this development underscores the increasing necessity of regulatory compliance to maintain access to European capital. As ESMA enforces strict wind-down plans for unauthorized firms, the ability to passport services under MiCA becomes a critical competitive advantage for platforms seeking to integrate traditional financial services with digital assets.

AMBCrypto·Jul 2

Crypto platform Tothemoon secures MiCA licence in Cyprus

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Crypto platform Tothemoon secures MiCA licence in Cyprus

Tothemoon has officially secured authorization from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. This regulatory milestone allows the platform to operate legally across the European Economic Area, providing a standardized framework for its digital asset services. By achieving MiCA compliance, Tothemoon positions itself within a regulated environment that emphasizes investor protection and market integrity. This development is significant for the broader RWA market as it demonstrates the increasing institutionalization of crypto platforms through formal EU-wide licensing. As more platforms align with MiCA, the barrier to entry for tokenized real-world assets in Europe is lowered, fostering greater trust among traditional financial participants. The move highlights the growing trend of crypto entities seeking jurisdictional clarity to facilitate cross-border operations. Ultimately, this regulatory approval serves as a foundational step for integrating compliant digital asset infrastructure into the mainstream European financial ecosystem.

Finextra — Crypto·Jul 2

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OKX: First EU MiCA Licence Recipient

OKX has officially become the first entity in the European Union to secure a MiCA-compliant license, marking a significant milestone for regulatory integration in the digital asset sector. This authorization covers the broadest range of crypto services permitted under the framework, including EUR on-ramps, off-ramps, and zero-fee stablecoin payments facilitated through Mastercard. The achievement follows eight years of intensive investment in governance, risk management, and external audits by a Big Four firm to ensure institutional-grade compliance. By integrating spot pairs, derivatives, commodities, and equities alongside AI-native agentic infrastructure, OKX is positioning itself as a comprehensive financial platform. The company has maintained transparency through 40 consecutive months of Proof of Reserves reporting to build trust with European regulators and users. This development is critical for the RWA market as it establishes a clear, regulated pathway for bridging traditional financial assets with blockchain-based infrastructure. Ultimately, this license signals a shift toward mature, compliant ecosystems that can support the large-scale tokenization of real-world assets within the EU.

blockchain.news·Jul 2

Liquid Mercury Completes MiCA Disclosure for MERC, Enabling Trading Admission Across the EU

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Liquid Mercury Completes MiCA Disclosure for MERC, Enabling Trading Admission Across the EU

Liquid Mercury has successfully submitted its MERC crypto-asset white paper to the Central Bank of Ireland, securing its inclusion in the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) MiCA white paper register. This milestone confirms that the MERC token complies with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, the comprehensive EU framework governing crypto-asset disclosures and market integrity. By meeting these stringent regulatory requirements, MERC is now positioned for admission to trading across regulated venues within the European Union and the European Economic Area. This development is significant for the RWA market as it provides a clear regulatory pathway for platform tokens associated with institutional-grade infrastructure. Liquid Mercury utilizes MERC as a core component of its ecosystem, which includes specialized platforms for OTC trading and tokenized real-world assets like sports investments. The move underscores a growing trend where infrastructure providers prioritize regulatory transparency to facilitate broader institutional adoption of digital assets. As Liquid Mercury expands its Mercury RWA division, the official MiCA registration serves as a foundational step toward increasing liquidity and accessibility for its tokenized offerings.

#RWA #MiCA #EU

chainwire.org·Jul 1

Tether’s USDT Locked Out of EU Exchanges as MiCA Deadline Hits

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