Here's the impact of MiCA regulations on the European crypto market

The following is a guest post from Mike Romanenko, CVO and Co-Founder of Kyrrex.

The European crypto landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation with the introduction of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. Mike Romanenko, CVO & Co-Founder at Kyrrex, foresees it will present multiple opportunities and challenges for crypto players across European countries.

Expected changes post-MiCA adoption

The adoption of MiCA across European countries marks a monumental shift for the crypto industry. For market players, this regulation introduces stringent rules governing various facets of the industry, including crypto exchanges, fund custody, and client verification processes. While these rules may initially seem quite burdensome, they are designed to enhance the security and transparency of crypto operations.

Most importantly, a primary objective of MiCA is to protect end-users by ensuring that companies adhere to transparent audit practices and maintain verifiable reserves. This need for transparency became particularly evident following numerous collapses of large crypto firms since 2020, notably FTX’s crash, which exposed the vulnerabilities and risks within the industry.

I believe regulation will facilitate the entry of institutional investors into the crypto market. By establishing clear and consistent rules, MiCA can help attract significant institutional and corporate funds, boosting market liquidity and stability. The situation mirrors the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., which enabled institutional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin through regulated financial products.

The implementation challenge

Despite the long-term benefits, I never expected the initial implementation phase of MiCA to be easy. Europe currently has around 2,000 Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), many of which don’t rush to be compliant with the upcoming regulations. Local authorities will face substantial pressure to review and approve applications promptly, leading to a potential backlog and operational delays.

Some countries, like Malta and France, have already started aligning their regulations with MiCA, but the overall readiness across Europe varies significantly. I expect this disparity could result in a period of confusion and disruption as companies strive to meet the new standards.

The entire process is planned for three years, from June 2023 to July 2026, including the following stages:

• Entry into force of MiCA (June 2023).
• Deadline to opt-out of grandfathering or reduce duration (June 2024).
• Entry into the application of MiCA (December 2024).
• End of the transitional phase (July 2026).

MiCA has the potential to significantly impact the cryptocurrency market within the EU. I’d like to emphasize the following expected effects:

• Enhanced consumer protection. MiCA’s goal is to establish clear rules for crypto-assets, providing better protection for investors.
• Greater market integrity. By setting standards for governance, MiCA aims to promote fair competition and prevent market abuse.
• Simplified cross-border operations. With a harmonized regulatory ecosystem, companies in the EU will have an easier time operating across borders.
• Boost of innovations. The pilot regime for distributed ledger technology (DLT) market infrastructures could lead to more efficient financial systems based on blockchain.

I would say that the key aspect of MiCA is the new classification for crypto-assets, known as CASPs: crypto-asset service providers. It includes exchanges, custodian wallet providers, and trading platforms, which will be subject to authorization by national authorities. The classification aims to make sure that all entities providing crypto services comply with the same regulations.

Regulatory challenges and opportunities in the US and other countries

In contrast to Europe, the US lacks a unified regulatory framework for crypto assets, leading to significant uncertainty. While Bitcoin is classified as a commodity, the status of other digital assets, such as Ethereum, remains ambiguous. Despite what I wanted to see, this lack of clarity complicates compliance and increases the risk of regulatory actions against crypto firms.

However, there are many positive developments. The introduction of Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) for crypto exchanges has provided a pathway for companies to operate legally across multiple states. A comprehensive federal regulation is still pending, and it is unlikely to be addressed until after the upcoming elections.

Hopefully, the implementation of MiCA in Europe could serve as a valuable blueprint for other regions, including the US, the UK, Turkey, and India. I’d like to see that in countries like India, where crypto is currently banned, a regulatory framework inspired by MiCA could pave the way for legalized and secure crypto operations. Similarly, Turkey has faced significant challenges with unregulated exchanges, leading to substantial losses for investors. Who would’ve thought that adopting a structured regulatory approach could mitigate such risks and foster a healthier crypto ecosystem?

Leading the way in crypto regulation and compliance

The following are aspects of how leaders champion smart crypto industry regulations to reshape the European crypto market:

• Commitment to transparency. Regulated and compliant entities leverage blockchain technology within their centralized infrastructure, enhancing transparency and efficiency. This approach is evident in the implementation of blockchain technology in internal transactions. Such integrations ensure that all operations are traceable and secure, aligning with the rigorous standards expected of regulated companies.
• Rigorous compliance monitoring. A key aspect of regulatory compliance is the monitoring system. It includes internal compliance teams and external auditors who conduct bi-annual reviews to ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements. One notable feature of compliance infrastructure is the Live audit log server. It records all actions within the system, especially from the back office, providing 24/7 access to external authorities for real-time monitoring. This system ensures that any irregularities are quickly identified and addressed, reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency and security.
• Future-proofing through strategic investments. Strategic investments should extend beyond compliance, focusing on integrating new technologies. By staying engaged with current market trends, companies aim to incorporate the latest advancements into their ecosystem. This approach not only enhances their service offerings but also ensures that they remain at the forefront of industry developments.
• Expanding regulatory licenses. Companies are working towards obtaining additional regulatory licenses to broaden their service offerings. One of their goals is to acquire the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license, which enables them to provide regulated derivatives trading in Europe. This move is poised to address a significant gap in the market, offering a transparent and compliant platform for futures and perpetual trading.
• Global market adaptation. Beyond Europe, companies are also eyeing the US market, despite the current regulatory uncertainties. By obtaining Money Transmitter Licenses (MTL) across various states, they plan to strategically expand their presence in the US. This expansion underscores their commitment to navigating complex regulatory landscapes to offer secure and compliant services globally.
• Innovating for the future. The long-term vision includes developing a comprehensive financial super app, integrating a wide array of services within a single platform. Companies are keen on optimizing blockchain technology to reduce transaction fees and improve the overall user experience, further driving adoption.

Conclusion

The implementation of MiCA represents a significant step towards establishing a secure and transparent crypto market in Europe. While I expect the transition may be challenging, the long-term benefits of enhanced regulation, increased institutional investment, and greater market stability are substantial.

Additionally, MiCA’s framework could serve as a model for other regions seeking to regulate their crypto markets effectively. As the global crypto industry continues to evolve, the lessons learned from Europe’s regulatory journey will be invaluable in shaping the future of digital assets worldwide.

As the cryptocurrency industry continues to mature, the importance of robust regulatory compliance cannot be overstated.