Nowadays, the decentralized solutions, cryptocurrencies continue to change the world of finance. However, regulators around the world are faced with the need to find a balance between the freedom of decentralized financial institutions and the protection of the stability of the financial system.
How do cryptocurrencies work?
Crypto assets are digital assets that can be transferred and stored electronically using distributed ledger technologies (DLT), such as blockchains. DLT allows you to store, update and verify encrypted data in a decentralized manner, ensuring transparency and security.
Blockchain is a chain of “blocks” in which transaction data is recorded, which allows users to verify them without the need to involve intermediaries. This ensures a high degree of decentralization and reliability of data.
What are crypto assets used for?
1. Investments: Many investors consider crypto assets as a way to diversify their portfolio.
2. Means of payment: Cryptocurrencies can be used as an alternative to traditional currencies to pay for goods and services.
3. Smart contracts: Blockchain technologies allow you to create smart contracts that are automatically executed when certain conditions occur, which makes them useful for financial and legal transactions.
How is cryptocurrency regulated in Europe?
In the European Union, cryptocurrency regulation is mainly carried out through the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which came into force in June 2023. MiCA aims to create a unified framework for crypto asset trading and investment in the EU, regulating three main types of crypto assets:
The main goal of MiCA is to establish clear rules for the cryptocurrency market, which allows you to create a safe environment for users and investors. One of the key requirements of MiCA is the obligation of issuers of crypto assets to provide complete information about their products, including a description of the risks associated with them, which significantly increases the level of transparency in the market.
MiCA also includes strict regulations for stablecoins, especially those linked to fiat currencies or other assets such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC). These requirements ensure the stability of stablecoins and reduce risks for users.
In addition to MiCA, the EU has anti-money laundering directives such as AMLD5 and AMLD6. These directives require cryptocurrency exchanges to verify the identity of their customers and report suspicious transactions. The Money Transfer Regulation (TFR) has also been introduced, which introduces the “travel rule” rule — the obligation to collect and transmit information about transactions, which increases transparency and security of transactions.
How is cryptocurrency regulated in the world?
• China has completely banned the use of cryptocurrencies, restricting access to exchanges and digital assets.
• Japan has recognized cryptocurrencies as legitimate property, obliging exchanges to comply with anti-money laundering rules.
• Canada requires cryptocurrency companies to register and comply with strict AML rules.
• The US uses various legislative initiatives such as the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act and the Financial Innovation and Technology (FIT) for the 21st Century Act to distinguish cryptocurrencies as securities or commodities.
Bottom line
The EU aims to become a leader in digital finance by implementing clear rules through MiCA and anti-money laundering measures. This approach creates favorable conditions for innovation, providing a high level of security and transparency. As countries around the world choose their paths in regulating cryptocurrencies, the EU’s experience can be an important example for creating a secure and inclusive digital economy.
Sources
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/crypto-assets-how-the-eu-is-regulating-markets/
Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)
Written with the help of ChatGPT