#MiCA

188 articles tagged #MiCA — curated RWA tokenization coverage.

#Regulation #Stablecoins #EU #Compliance #ESMA #Tokenization #Binance #RWA #Tether #Ripple

EU Council wants only significant crypto firms supervised by ESMA

The Council of the European Union has reached a compromise on the Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP), effectively limiting the direct supervisory authority of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) over crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). While the European Commission originally proposed that ESMA oversee all MiCA-regulated entities, EU finance ministers have restricted this mandate to only those firms deemed "significant." The definition of significance has been adjusted to include firms with over 1 million users, provided they meet additional criteria regarding trading volume or assets under custody. This shift represents a departure from the Commission's initial push for centralized oversight, favoring a more tiered regulatory approach. Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque expressed formal regret over the compromise, highlighting ongoing friction between the Commission and member states regarding the centralization of financial supervision. This development is critical for the RWA market as it dictates the regulatory burden and oversight framework for platforms facilitating the issuance and trading of tokenized assets within the EU. By clarifying which entities fall under ESMA's direct purview, the policy provides a clearer, albeit more fragmented, roadmap for institutional compliance in the European digital asset ecosystem.

#Compliance #MiCA #Regulation

Ledger Insights·Oct 13, 20267.5

Stablecoins

MiCA Stablecoin Deadline: ESMA Gives EU Crypto Platforms 3 Months to Remove USDT

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a directive requiring MiCA-authorized crypto platforms to cease offering services for stablecoins that fail to meet the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory standards. This mandate effectively targets major stablecoins like Tether's USDT and PayPal's PYUSD, which currently lack the necessary authorization to operate within the bloc. National regulators have been granted a three-month window from the October 8, 2024, publication date to ensure platforms wind down existing exposures, with a final deadline of January 8, 2027. Authorized crypto-asset service providers must implement technical and contractual controls to prevent EU clients from acquiring or increasing holdings in non-compliant tokens. While liquidation, conversion, and withdrawal of existing balances are permitted during this transition, the promotion and trading of these assets are strictly prohibited. This regulatory action aims to protect the integrity of the MiCA framework by ensuring that only authorized issuers, who adhere to strict reserve and disclosure requirements, can serve the European market. The move forces a significant shift in the operational landscape for European exchanges, compelling them to align their offerings with the EU's comprehensive digital asset oversight regime.

#Stablecoins #MiCA #Regulation

cryptorank.io·Oct 8, 20268.5

Infrastructure

BNY Expands Digital Asset Custody in Europe Under MiCA Framework

BNY has officially expanded its digital asset custody services to select institutional clients within the European Union, operating under the comprehensive Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. This milestone follows the registration of BNY’s European banking entity, The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV, with the European Securities and Markets Authority in July 2026. By providing institutional-grade custody, administration, and transfer services, the bank aims to bridge the gap between traditional financial operations and the growing digital asset ecosystem. The platform supports a range of assets including BTC, ETH, SOL, and USDC, while specifically catering to the needs of banks, broker-dealers, and asset managers. BNY utilizes advanced security measures such as multiparty computation technology and segregated client wallets to ensure the resilience expected by institutional investors. This expansion is significant for the RWA market as it provides the necessary infrastructure for corporate treasurers and asset managers to safely explore tokenized securities and digital payments. By establishing a regulated pathway for digital asset management in Europe, BNY is positioning itself as a key facilitator for the institutional adoption of tokenized financial products.

#InstitutionalFinance #MiCA #Europe

Blockonomi·Oct 8, 20268.0

Stablecoins

ESMA Moves to Plug Loopholes for Non-MiCA Stablecoins Beyond Spot Delistings

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued new guidance to close regulatory loopholes regarding non-MiCA compliant stablecoins within the European Union. While previous directives focused on removing non-compliant tokens from exchange order books, the new mandate requires providers to block all alternative acquisition routes across their entire service ecosystem. This includes preventing brokers, custodians, and portfolio managers from facilitating new exposure to unauthorized asset-referenced or e-money tokens. ESMA explicitly stated that simple risk disclaimers are insufficient, necessitating a complete cessation of new purchases and promotional activities for non-compliant assets. National regulators have been instructed to enforce these measures, with a transition period extending until January 8, 2027, to allow for an orderly exit for existing holders. This move significantly impacts the RWA market by standardizing the enforcement of MiCA, ensuring that only authorized stablecoins like Circle’s USDC and EURC maintain full access to EU clients. By forcing firms to audit the entire customer journey, ESMA aims to prevent the circumvention of regulatory standards that protect investors from unverified stablecoin issuers. This development underscores the tightening regulatory environment for tokenized assets and stablecoins operating within the European financial infrastructure.

#Stablecoins #MiCA #Regulation

tradingview.com·Oct 8, 20268.0

Infrastructure

How AI, Tokenized Stocks and Celebrity Deals Are Reshaping Crypto Exchanges

The real-world asset (RWA) tokenization market has experienced significant growth, reaching a $38 billion market capitalization in 2026, up from $5 billion just two years prior. Major exchanges like Robinhood are driving this expansion by integrating tokenized versions of over 200 U.S. stocks and ETFs for European customers. This shift is supported by the maturation of regulatory frameworks, including the U.S. GENIUS Act and the EU's MiCA, which have transformed compliance from a hurdle into a competitive advantage. Exchanges are simultaneously investing in AI-native infrastructure, such as Robinhood Chain and Binance's AI Skills Hub, to facilitate the next phase of trading. While the sector faces ongoing security challenges, with $972 million in losses from hacks in the first half of 2026, the institutionalization of crypto continues through massive sports sponsorships and clearer licensing standards. These developments signal a transition toward a more regulated, infrastructure-heavy ecosystem where tokenized assets serve as a core product offering. The convergence of RWA tokenization and AI-driven trading tools marks a pivotal evolution for major platforms seeking long-term sustainability.

#RWA #Tokenization #MiCA

investing.com·Oct 5, 20267.5

Infrastructure

Bitpanda Co-CEO Says European Crypto Users Have More Faith in Regulated Firms Under MiCA

Bitpanda co-CEO Christian Trummer reports that European crypto users are increasingly favoring regulated platforms over self-custody and DeFi solutions following the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. This shift in consumer behavior highlights a growing preference for institutional oversight and security within the European market. As MiCA enters a stricter enforcement phase, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has mandated that unlicensed firms must cease operations by July 1, 2026. Regulators are currently scrutinizing the use of reverse solicitation exemptions by major exchanges like Binance to ensure compliance with licensing requirements. Trummer emphasizes that compliant entities like Bitpanda gain a competitive advantage as the regulatory landscape matures and consumer trust consolidates around authorized providers. While the transition period allows some firms to operate until mid-2026, the tightening of rules signals a definitive move toward a standardized, regulated crypto ecosystem in the EU. This development is significant for the RWA market as it establishes the legal infrastructure necessary for institutional-grade asset tokenization and broader retail adoption.

#MiCA #Regulation #EU

cryptorank.io·Oct 3, 20267.0

Stablecoins

50,000 Europeans Ask EU to Allow Stablecoin Rewards Under MiCA

Over 50,000 European citizens, mobilized by crypto advocacy group Stand With Crypto EU, have urged the European Commission to permit stablecoin rewards and perks under the ongoing review of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This campaign, timed with the closure of the Commission's public consultation, seeks to allow regulated stablecoins to offer benefits like cashback, loyalty programs, and lower fees, arguing that regulated stablecoins should not offer fewer advantages than traditional e-money products. A separate petition garnered over 126,600 signatures, advocating for lifting MiCA's ban on passing through yield from safe, interest-bearing assets. This initiative directly challenges the stance of EU central banks, including the European Central Bank, which have recommended maintaining and even extending the current ban on stablecoin interest and indirect perks, citing that electronic money is for payments, not savings. The outcome of this regulatory debate is crucial for the competitiveness of the EU's stablecoin market, with partners of Stand With Crypto EU like 50 Partners warning that restrictive rules could drive talent and innovation to regions like the US or Asia, where different regulatory approaches exist.

#Stablecoins #MiCA #EURegulation

Blockonomi·Oct 2, 20267.5

Stablecoins

Circle Urges EU to Rework MiCA Stablecoin Reserve Requirements

Circle has submitted a formal response to the European Commission regarding the review of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), advocating for significant structural adjustments to stablecoin reserve requirements. As a major issuer of USDC and EURC, Circle argues that current mandates, such as the 30% to 60% commercial bank deposit requirement, unnecessarily increase credit and counterparty risks. The company specifically calls for the removal of concentration caps, including the 35% limit on single-sovereign exposure and the 1.5% cap on bank assets per counterparty, which it claims hinder the ability to hold high-quality liquid assets. Furthermore, Circle emphasizes the importance of preserving 'multi-issuance' structures to maintain global liquidity while proposing a new equivalence regime for foreign-regulated stablecoins. These recommendations aim to align EU regulations with international standards while preventing the migration of users to offshore, unregulated platforms. The submission highlights that only three of the top 25 global stablecoins currently comply with MiCA, underscoring the need for a more flexible regulatory environment. This feedback is critical as the European Commission evaluates the framework's impact on the competitiveness of EU-issued e-money tokens on the global stage.

#Stablecoins #MiCA #Circle

cryptotimes.io·Oct 1, 20267.5

Stablecoins

Open USD live, but not in the MiCA register

Open USD (OUSD) launched on September 30, 2026, as a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Bridge, a subsidiary of Stripe. The project is backed by a consortium of major financial and technology firms, including Coinbase, Mastercard, Shopify, Stripe, and Visa, which have collectively pledged over $1 billion in liquidity. While the issuer, Bridge Building S.A., holds an electronic money institution (EMI) authorization in Luxembourg, the OUSD token itself has not been notified in the MiCA register as of October 1, 2026. This regulatory status is critical because, under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, an e-money token must have a published and notified white paper to be offered publicly or traded within the EU. Although the issuer has notified a euro-denominated token, the absence of a white paper for OUSD means that EU-regulated exchanges cannot legally offer the asset to European users. This distinction highlights the complexity of MiCA, where authorization applies to the company, but compliance requirements are strictly token-specific. The situation serves as a reminder that institutional backing and corporate licensing do not automatically grant regulatory clearance for individual crypto-assets in the European market.

#Stablecoins #MiCA #OUSD

cryptoticker.io·Oct 1, 20267.5

Infrastructure

ESMA responds to Commission’s consultation on the review of MiCA

On 30 September 2026, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) submitted its formal response to the European Commission regarding the review of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The regulator advocates for a more robust framework that bridges the gap between crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and traditional financial instruments under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II). ESMA specifically proposes new regulatory oversight for decentralized finance (DeFi) gateways and protocols to mitigate cross-border risks. The recommendations include granting ESMA binding powers over token classification and introducing stricter requirements for staking, lending, and borrowing services. Furthermore, the proposal seeks to enhance investor protection through increased cost transparency and tighter marketing restrictions. By aligning MiCA with broader financial supervisory packages, ESMA aims to ensure that tokenized assets are subject to standards comparable to traditional securities. This development is critical for the RWA market as it signals a regulatory shift toward harmonizing the treatment of tokenized real-world assets with established financial market infrastructure.

#Tokenization #MiCA #Regulation

regulationtomorrow.com·Sep 30, 20268.0

Stablecoins

AllUnity Launches MiCA-Regulated USDAU Stablecoin

AllUnity officially launched its USDAU stablecoin on September 30, marking the company's first U.S. dollar-pegged asset issued under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. The token is backed by segregated dollar reserves and is currently available across six blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Solana, Base, Tempo, Arc, and Polygon. This expansion follows the company's previous releases of EURAU, CHFAU, and SEKAU, which are pegged to the euro, Swiss franc, and Swedish krona, respectively. By integrating dollar liquidity into a strictly regulated European environment, AllUnity aims to facilitate more efficient cross-border payments and on-chain settlement for global enterprises. The launch signifies a strategic shift for the firm as it moves beyond European currencies to capture broader international trade demand. Future growth for the asset will depend on continued network integrations and the adoption rate among institutional users seeking compliant fiat-backed stablecoins. This development highlights the growing trend of aligning stablecoin issuance with regional regulatory standards to foster institutional trust and long-term market stability.

#Stablecoins #CrossBorderPayments #MiCA

crypto-economy.com·Sep 30, 20267.5

Infrastructure

European Commission reviews MiCA regulations to balance market access and compliance costs

The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is undergoing a critical review as the European Commission collects feedback on its implementation. While the framework successfully established a passporting regime for 450 million consumers, it faces significant operational hurdles. As of September 1, 2026, there are 39 authorized e-money tokens, yet the number of authorized asset-referenced tokens remains at zero. Compliance costs for crypto-asset service providers are reaching millions of euros annually, creating a substantial barrier for market participants. The European Banking Authority has recommended further tightening regulations around multi-issuer stablecoins to address supervisory challenges. Public consultation concluded on September 30, 2026, with findings expected to inform legislative amendments by June 2027. This stress test is pivotal for the RWA market, as the current lack of asset-referenced token approvals suggests the framework may require adjustments to facilitate broader institutional adoption.

#Stablecoins #MiCA #Regulation

cryptobriefing.com·Sep 30, 20268.0

Infrastructure

EU industry body AFME on MiCA 2: critical to keep securities under MiFID II

The Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) has formally opposed proposals to bring tokenized securities under the MiCA regulatory framework, arguing they should remain governed by MiFID II. AFME contends that shifting these assets to MiCA would create significant legal uncertainty, increase operational costs, and negatively impact market liquidity and collateral eligibility. The European Banking Authority (EBA) echoed these concerns, emphasizing that moving DLT-based securities to MiCA could disrupt existing banking authorizations and Basel prudential standards. A primary point of contention involves the ambiguity between asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and tokenized money market funds. Despite the potential for confusion, the industry notes that zero ARTs have been authorized to date, making a legislative overhaul appear premature. AFME also advocated for adjustments to stablecoin concentration limits and clarified that tokenized deposits should remain under established banking frameworks. This debate is critical for the RWA market as it determines whether tokenized financial instruments will operate under established securities laws or a new, potentially restrictive crypto-specific regime. Maintaining the MiFID II status quo is viewed by industry leaders as essential for ensuring the seamless integration of tokenized assets into traditional financial systems.

#MiCA #Regulation #TokenizedSecurities

ledgerinsights.com·Sep 30, 20268.0

Stablecoins

What is USDAU? AllUnity launches MiCA compliant dollar stablecoin

Frankfurt-based AllUnity has launched USDAU, a US dollar-backed stablecoin, marking a significant expansion of its regulated multi-currency digital money network. Issued under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation, the token is fully backed by dollar reserves and redeemable 1:1. The stablecoin is live on six blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon, with plans to add more later this year. Alongside the launch, AllUnity introduced an Instant FX feature within its Business Mint Account, enabling institutional clients to convert between its euro, Swiss franc, Swedish krona, and dollar tokens. This development is critical for the RWA market as it demonstrates the integration of traditional foreign exchange mechanics with 24/7 stablecoin settlement rails. By leveraging a BaFin-licensed electronic money institution, AllUnity aims to simplify cross-border payments and treasury operations for businesses. The initiative is supported by institutional partners including Banking Circle, Flowdesk, Archax, and BitGo, highlighting the growing institutional demand for compliant, multi-currency stablecoin infrastructure.

#Stablecoins #InstitutionalFinance #MiCA

crypto.news·Sep 30, 20267.5

Infrastructure

Everything you need to know about tokenisation of public assets

The tokenization of public assets, such as French OATs, represents a shift in infrastructure rather than a fundamental change to the underlying financial securities. While proponents argue that blockchain integration could unify issuance, settlement, and custody to drive automation, current European systems are already highly efficient and cost-effective. The European Union has established a regulatory environment through the 2022 DLT Pilot Scheme, the MiCA Regulation, and the 2025 DORA Regulation to test these technologies in a controlled sandbox. However, the pilot scheme imposes strict transaction caps, such as a one-billion-euro limit, which remains marginal compared to the multi-trillion-euro scale of existing sovereign debt. Experts note that the lack of clarity regarding the regulatory regime following the pilot phase creates uncertainty that hinders institutional adoption. Furthermore, the absence of widely adopted, reliable euro-denominated stablecoins limits the potential for automated DeFi integration. Ultimately, the transition remains an experimental effort focused on technical feasibility and operational security rather than immediate economic gain.

#MiCA #DLT #OAT

polytechnique-insights.com·Sep 29, 20267.5

Infrastructure

MiCA focus shifts from rulemaking to supervision, ESMA chair says

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has officially transitioned its primary focus from MiCA rulemaking to active supervision and regulatory convergence. According to Chair Verena Ross, the 2027 work program prioritizes operational resilience, outsourcing risks, and ensuring crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) maintain substantial operations within the European Union. ESMA aims to harmonize periodic reporting requirements across national regulators while implementing common risk indicators and supervisory dashboards. A central component of this strategy is the MIDAS surveillance system, designed to monitor for market abuse, with its first phase expected to be fully operational by 2027. The regulator also plans to expand the analytical capabilities of MIDAS by the fourth quarter of 2027 to better track market integrity. These efforts are intended to provide a clear framework for innovation while safeguarding investors and building market confidence. By feeding supervisory data into the European Commission’s upcoming MiCA review, ESMA is positioning itself to influence future legislative adjustments for the digital asset sector.

#Compliance #MiCA #Regulation

lcx.com·Sep 28, 20267.5

Infrastructure

MiCA’s Proposed Fine Method Reaches Its First Deadline

The European Banking Authority (EBA) is finalizing its methodology for calculating administrative fines for significant stablecoin issuers under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. The public consultation period for this draft framework concludes on September 28, marking a critical step in establishing how the EBA will quantify penalties for regulatory breaches. The proposed two-step process involves establishing a baseline fine based on the issuer's annual turnover and severity of the infringement, followed by adjustments for factors like intent, duration, and remedial actions. While MiCA already defines maximum penalty ceilings—12.5% of annual turnover for asset-referenced tokens and 10% for e-money tokens—the new methodology aims to provide transparency regarding how specific penalty amounts are derived. This development is significant for the RWA market as it clarifies the enforcement landscape for issuers of significant stablecoins and asset-referenced tokens operating within the EU. By formalizing the EBA's discretion, the framework allows market participants to better assess potential risks associated with regulatory non-compliance. Ultimately, this move signals a transition toward more predictable and structured oversight for tokenized assets that fall under direct EBA supervision.

#Stablecoins #Compliance #MiCA

coindoo.com·Sep 27, 20267.5

Infrastructure

Injective: MiCA whitepaper for INJ filed and listed in ESMA's Interim Register - 25 Sep 2026

Injective has officially filed a MiCA-compliant whitepaper for its native token, INJ, which is now listed in the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) Interim MiCA Register. This filing represents a critical procedural step toward establishing a harmonized regulatory framework for the asset across 30 European Union markets. By aligning with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, Injective aims to provide European investors and institutional custodians with a clear compliance pathway for trading and holding the token. While the current listing in the register is a filing-stage milestone rather than final authorization, it significantly reduces the legal ambiguity that has previously deterred some European venues from supporting the asset. The move signals a broader trend of blockchain protocols proactively seeking regulatory clarity to facilitate institutional adoption within the EU. Future authorization outcomes will determine the extent to which exchanges can offer regulated access to INJ. This development underscores the growing importance of MiCA compliance as a prerequisite for scaling RWA and crypto-asset infrastructure in the European economic area.

#MiCA #Regulation #EU

tradingview.com·Sep 25, 20266.5

#MiCA

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