**Breaking News: EU Cryptocurrency Legislation “MiCA” – What Cryptocurrency Holders Need To Know**
In 2022, the European Union completed one of the largest pieces of cryptocurrency regulation legislation known as the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This legislation is expected to be subject to a formal vote by the EU Parliament and to be published in the first half of 2023. Its provisions are expected to enter into force before the end of 2024.
MiCA is intended to replace the current national regulatory framework regarding crypto-assets by introducing specific rules for stablecoins and establishing the authorization and operating conditions for crypto-asset service providers. It also aims to prevent abuses by those in dominant positions in the crypto-asset market, as well as defining the roles of the European Securities and Markets Authority and the European Banking Authority.
MiCA establishes uniform requirements governing the offering and marketing of most crypto-assets. Under MiCA, crypto asset service providers (CASPs) in the EU will have to meet expanded compliance requirements that will improve transparency and minimize the potential for market contagion and risks to users.
In addition, stablecoin issuers will have to comply with strict reserve and disclosure requirements to ensure token holders are protected against massive withdrawals. It is expected that in 2023 an increasing number of CASPs will apply for registration in Europe to benefit from one of the advantages of MiCA, which allows entities registered in an EU member state to "graze" their services across Europe without being need to get approval from regulators in all twenty-seven member states.
MiCA provides a clear definition of crypto assets, which they define as a “digital representation of value or rights that can be transferred and stored electronically using a distributed ledger or similar technology such as Blockchain”.
MiCA aims to create a dedicated and harmonized framework at Union level, providing specific rules for cryptocurrencies and related activities and services and clarifying the applicable legal framework. In addition, MiCA's harmonized framework regulates services related to cryptocurrencies that are not yet covered by EU legislation. This harmonization supports innovation and fair competition while ensuring a high level of consumer protection and market integrity in cryptocurrency markets.
Cryptocurrency service providers and holders of crypto assets should be aware of these developments and prepare for their implementation. It is recommended that current practices be reviewed and legal advice sought to fully understand the impact of these changes on their activities.
*Note: The information presented here is based on data available up to June 2023. For the latest updates, please consult official EU sources.*
