The European Union (EU) has made history by introducing the world’s first comprehensive crypto law. Lawmakers in the EU voted 517-38 in favor of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) licensing regime, with 18 abstentions. The new law requires crypto wallet providers and exchanges to seek a license to operate across the bloc, and issuers of stablecoins tied to the value of other assets to maintain sufficient reserves. The EU also voted in favor of a separate law known as the Transfer of Funds regulation, which requires crypto operators to identify their customers in a bid to halt money laundering.
The new regulations have been introduced to protect consumers and safeguard financial stability and market integrity. They are expected to apply from next year. In a tweet, the European Commission’s Mairead McGuinness hailed the vote as a “world first” for crypto rules.
According to Stefan Berger, the lawmaker who led negotiations on the law, the EU’s crypto-asset industry now has regulatory clarity that does not exist in countries like the US. “The sector that was damaged by the FTX collapse can regain trust,” Berger said in a statement released by the European Parliament.
The introduction of MiCA puts the EU “at the forefront of the token economy,” said Berger. The EU’s move towards regulating the crypto industry is seen as a positive step in preventing fraudulent activities such as money laundering, which has been a growing concern in the industry. The Transfer of Funds regulation requires crypto operators to identify their customers, which should help to prevent the use of crypto assets for illicit purposes.
However, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) warned that investing in crypto assets is still a risky endeavor with limited safeguards at this stage. The EU agency added that it would announce its timetable for drafting secondary legislation under MiCA in due time.
The introduction of comprehensive crypto regulations by the EU is likely to have implications beyond Europe. Other major jurisdictions may also follow suit, as governments around the world grapple with the challenge of regulating the fast-evolving crypto industry.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Markets in Crypto-Assets licensing regime and the Transfer of Funds regulation by the European Union represents a significant milestone in the regulation of the crypto industry. The move is expected to provide greater regulatory clarity and protection for consumers, while also safeguarding financial stability and market integrity. The EU’s decision to introduce comprehensive crypto regulations is likely to be closely watched by other major jurisdictions around the world.
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