# MiCA

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

6.5

#Compliance #MiCA #Regulation

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

6.5

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

5.5

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

European Banking Giant Deploys MiCA-Compliant Stablecoin to Streamline Asset Tokenization

9.0

#Ethereum #Stablecoins #Tokenization

European Banking Giant Deploys MiCA-Compliant Stablecoin to Streamline Asset Tokenization

Crédit Agricole, a European banking group managing €5.3 trillion in assets, has launched EURXT, a euro-pegged stablecoin issued on the Ethereum blockchain. Designed to be MiCA-compliant, the token is backed by reserves held directly on the balance sheet of CACEIS, the bank's asset servicing subsidiary. The stablecoin serves as an institutional settlement tool rather than a retail payment vehicle, aiming to streamline the subscription process for tokenized financial products. Its inaugural use case involved settling a subscription into a tokenized Amundi money market fund, marking a milestone for Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS funds. By utilizing Ethereum, the bank leverages a mature ecosystem to reduce settlement friction, counterparty risk, and operational complexity compared to traditional multi-day clearing cycles. This deployment is a core component of Crédit Agricole’s ACT 2028 strategy, signaling a shift toward embedding blockchain infrastructure into production-grade institutional finance. The move underscores growing institutional confidence in public blockchains as reliable, regulated settlement backbones for global asset management.

blocktelegraph.io·Jul 2

Lightspark becomes first payments company in Estonia to get MiCA licence

6.5

#MiCA #Regulation #Lightspark

Lightspark becomes first payments company in Estonia to get MiCA licence

Lightspark Payments Europe AS has officially secured both a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) authorization and an electronic money institution (EMI) license from Estonia's Financial Supervision Authority. This dual regulatory approval makes Lightspark the first payments company in Estonia to achieve compliance under the European Union's comprehensive Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. By obtaining these licenses, the firm gains the legal standing to offer regulated digital asset and electronic money services across the European Economic Area. This development is significant for the RWA market as it establishes a clear regulatory pathway for infrastructure providers to bridge traditional fiat payment rails with blockchain-based assets. The integration of MiCA-compliant EMI and CASP status reduces jurisdictional uncertainty for firms looking to tokenize assets or facilitate cross-border payments within the EU. As institutional adoption of tokenized assets grows, such regulatory milestones provide the necessary legal certainty for large-scale financial operations. Lightspark's achievement underscores the increasing importance of Estonia as a hub for compliant crypto-financial services within the broader European market.

Finextra — Crypto·Jul 2

7.5

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

6.5

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

Binance Updates Stablecoin Rules For Europe As MiCA Takes Effect

7.5

#Stablecoins #MiCA #Regulation

Binance Updates Stablecoin Rules For Europe As MiCA Takes Effect

Binance is proactively adjusting its stablecoin framework for users within the European Economic Area to align with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. As the July 1, 2026, deadline for full compliance approaches, the exchange must distinguish between authorized stablecoins and those lacking necessary e-money institution credentials. This shift mandates that platforms categorize assets based on their regulatory status, directly impacting how stablecoins are listed, supported, or restricted for EEA users. Because stablecoins serve as the primary quote assets and collateral for crypto liquidity, these changes influence market structure across spot trading, derivatives, and DeFi access. The transition reflects a broader industry trend where exchanges compete on regulatory agility rather than just liquidity depth. While critics fear reduced asset choice and fragmented liquidity, supporters argue that MiCA provides essential oversight for reserves and redemption rights. Ultimately, this development signals that the European stablecoin market is entering a more formal, bank-like phase that requires users to monitor official platform notices closely.

cryptorank.io·Jul 1

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

8.5

#Stablecoins #MiCA #Tether

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

Tether has reportedly begun restricting access to its USDT stablecoin for users on European exchanges as the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation deadline approaches. The new regulatory framework imposes strict requirements on stablecoin issuers, including mandatory authorization as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) and specific reserve management standards. Tether has expressed concerns regarding the technical and regulatory feasibility of these requirements, particularly regarding the custody of reserves and the potential for forced liquidity events. This development marks a significant shift in the RWA landscape, as USDT currently serves as the primary liquidity layer for the broader crypto ecosystem. By limiting access to the most widely used stablecoin, European exchanges face potential volume declines and increased competition from compliant alternatives. The situation highlights the growing friction between decentralized global assets and localized regulatory regimes like MiCA. This move underscores the broader challenge of integrating dollar-pegged RWA tokens into strictly regulated financial jurisdictions without compromising their operational model.

coinlaw.io·Jul 1

Crédit Agricole EURXT Stablecoin Launches Under MiCA Rules

8.5

#Ethereum #Stablecoins #MiCA

Crédit Agricole EURXT Stablecoin Launches Under MiCA Rules

French banking giant Crédit Agricole has officially launched the EURXT stablecoin, a euro-pegged digital asset issued by its asset servicing subsidiary, CACEIS Bank. The token operates on the Ethereum blockchain and is fully compliant with the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. At launch, the project recorded 20.02 million EURXT tokens in circulation, backed by an equivalent 20.02 million euros held in reserves by CACEIS Bank. The stablecoin has already demonstrated its utility by facilitating the subscription process for a tokenized Amundi money market fund. This development highlights the growing trend of European financial institutions creating regulated, bank-backed payment solutions to bridge traditional finance and blockchain infrastructure. While euro-pegged tokens currently represent only 0.5% of the global stablecoin market, the entry of major players like Crédit Agricole signals a strategic effort to capture institutional demand for digital settlement. The uncapped issuance model allows the supply to scale dynamically based on market requirements, positioning EURXT as a competitor to existing offerings from firms like Société Générale and Circle.

tronweekly.com·Jul 1

6.5

Nebeus receives MiCA CASP authorisation

Barcelona-based fintech Nebeus has officially secured Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorization from Spain's Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV). This regulatory milestone aligns the company with the European Union's comprehensive Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. By achieving this status, Nebeus gains the ability to passport its digital asset services across the entire European Economic Area. This development is significant for the RWA market as it establishes a clear, compliant pathway for firms to bridge traditional financial services with digital assets under a unified regulatory umbrella. The move enhances institutional trust and provides a standardized legal foundation for companies operating within the European crypto ecosystem. As MiCA implementation progresses, such authorizations serve as a critical benchmark for firms seeking to scale cross-border operations legally. This regulatory clarity is essential for the broader adoption of tokenized assets and institutional participation in the European digital finance sector.

Finextra — Crypto·Jul 1

Gate Europe Solidifies MiCA Compliance as EU Crypto Regulation Takes Full Effect

7.5

#Compliance #MiCA #Regulation

Gate Europe Solidifies MiCA Compliance as EU Crypto Regulation Takes Full Effect

The European cryptocurrency sector reached a critical regulatory milestone on July 1, 2026, as the MiCA compliance deadline officially ended the transitional period for crypto-asset service providers. Gate Europe successfully secured dual authorization, obtaining both CASP and Payment Institution credentials to solidify its operational status across the EU. This regulatory shift mandates that all platforms operating within the region adhere to strict standards regarding governance, client asset safeguarding, and transparent reporting. While 244 entities were registered by the final deadline, major players like Binance remain unauthorized, forcing them to cease EU-directed activities. The implementation of MiCA replaces fragmented national rules with a unified framework, significantly increasing the due diligence requirements for institutional market participants. For the RWA market, this standardization provides a clearer legal architecture for tokenized assets and institutional-grade financial services. Gate Europe’s proactive compliance strategy, initiated in 2018, highlights the necessity of long-term regulatory alignment for platforms seeking to serve European clients under continuous supervisory oversight.

Blockonomi·Jul 1

Europe is rewriting its landmark crypto rulebook MiCA as hard July 1 deadline passes

8.5

#Stablecoins #Tokenization #MiCA

Europe is rewriting its landmark crypto rulebook MiCA as hard July 1 deadline passes

The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation has reached a critical milestone as the transitional grandfathering period for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) ended on July 1, 2026. While MiCA is now fully operational, the European Commission has initiated a consultation to evaluate potential updates to the framework to ensure it remains competitive against newer global standards. Industry experts like Circle's Patrick Hansen suggest that MiCA should be viewed as a version one framework that requires iterative adjustments to address evolving market realities. A primary area of focus is the regulation of stablecoins, which have grown significantly in importance since the initial drafting of MiCA between 2020 and 2023. Legal experts from Skadden highlight that the current lack of a third-country equivalence regime limits the cross-border circulation of tokens, prompting discussions on mutual recognition. Furthermore, the Commission is shifting its attention toward the broader tokenization of real-world assets, recognizing that blockchain finance has expanded beyond simple stablecoin payments. Ultimately, the EU aims to balance stringent consumer protections with the need to integrate global liquidity, ensuring the bloc remains a viable hub for digital asset innovation.

CoinDesk·Jul 1

Backpack EU secures MiCA and payment licenses, BP jumps 19%

7.5

#Solana #TokenizedEquities #MiCA

Backpack EU secures MiCA and payment licenses, BP jumps 19%

Backpack EU, the European subsidiary of the Solana-native exchange, has secured both a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license and a Payment Institution license from Latvijas Banka. These approvals arrive just before the July 1, 2026, MiCA enforcement deadline, which threatens to displace firms lacking full regulatory authorization. With only 17% of the 1,200 previously registered firms successfully transitioning to MiCA compliance, Backpack EU is positioning itself to capture significant market share from non-compliant competitors. The firm bolstered its regulatory standing by layering these new licenses over existing MiFID II credentials acquired through the purchase of FTX EU’s former business. This strategic move creates a robust regulatory stack that facilitates custody, exchange services, and cross-jurisdictional payment solutions. The news has positively impacted the BP token, which saw an 18.7% increase following the announcement, building on earlier momentum from tokenized equity offerings. As the European market faces a massive consolidation event, Backpack EU’s proactive compliance strategy highlights the growing importance of regulatory infrastructure in the RWA and crypto-asset space.

cryptobriefing.com·Jul 1

EU MiCA Regulation July 2026: Why Germany Leads in License Approvals?

8.5