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Circle Becomes First Global Stablecoin Issuer to Comply with EU’s MiCA Regulation

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Teuta Franjkovic
Published
By Teuta Franjkovic
Circle approved by MiCA

Allaire's Circle became the first global stablecoin issuer to gain approval under the EU's MiCA regulatory framework.| Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images

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Key Takeaways

  • Circle has become the first global stablecoin issuer to gain approval under the EU’s MiCA regulatory framework.
  • MiCA aims to standardize crypto regulations across EU states, ensuring a safer and more transparent market.
  • While Circle embraced MiCA compliance, some industry players expressed concerns about the complexities and potential risks associated with the new regulations.

Circle has achieved a significant regulatory milestone by obtaining the license to issue stablecoins under the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework.

This approval enables Circle to issue its stablecoins, USDC and EURC, within a regulated framework.

First Global Stablecoin Issuer to Comply with EU’s MiCA Regulations

CEO Jeremy Allaire confirmed on X that Circle will become the first global stablecoin issuer compliant with MiCA effective July 1.

This development is part of Circle’s ongoing efforts to align with regulatory standards in the stablecoin sector. In December, Circle enhanced its compliance posture by securing a digital asset regulatory license in France and establishing a dedicated French Operations division.

Following these preparatory steps, Circle is set to launch its MiCA-compliant stablecoins in Europe through its French entity.

This regulatory achievement strengthens Circle’s position in the stablecoin market and sets a precedent for compliance and innovation in the cryptocurrency space.

In an interview at Paris-based press conference Allaire further elaborated :

“The day that MiCA came into law, we announced our Euro stablecoin EURC.  We also announced our intention to make our stablecoins fully compliant with MiCA and we are very committed to that path.  This is because legal electronic money in the form of Euro or dollar that runs on blockchains is a huge opportunity.”

Leading the Way in MiCA Compliance as EU’s Stablecoin Laws Roll Out

The Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) is a detailed regulatory framework developed by the European Union to standardize cryptocurrency regulations across its member states. The framework was officially approved by the European Parliament in April 2023 and is set to be implemented in phases.

MiCA phases
Credit: European Securities and Markets Authority

Under the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, stablecoins issued within the European Union are subject to heightened regulatory requirements. This part of the framework, along with other provisions specifically addressing stablecoins, is being introduced gradually, with an expectation of full compliance across all areas by year-end. Starting June 30, stablecoin issuers are required to begin adhering to certain MiCA mandates.

Moreover, stablecoin issuers that operate outside the EU but serve EU residents must also comply with MiCA regulations. This requirement highlights the EU’s commitment to ensuring a secure and regulated market for all participants within its jurisdiction, regardless of where the service providers are based.

Challenges Arise as MiCA Regulations Stir Uncertainty and Concern

However, the implementation of MiCA has not been without challenges. According to a reports, there remains some uncertainty around the precise application of these new regulations. Additionally, some stablecoin issuers have expressed concerns about specific aspects of MiCA. For instance, Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, voiced issues in May, describing several of MiCA’s requirements as “problematic.” This ongoing dialogue between regulators and industry participants underscores the complexities involved in regulating the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market.

According to Ardoino:

“These requirements could not only render the job of a stablecoin issuer extremely complex but also make EU-licensed stablecoins extremely vulnerable and riskier to operate.”

Binance has announced that it will start limiting access to certain “unauthorized” stablecoins for users in Europe by June 30, though it notably did not specify restrictions on Tether’s USDT, the most widely circulated stablecoin.

In a June post on the social platform X, Binance CEO Richard Teng clarified the company’s stance, stating:

“Binance won’t delist any unauthorized stablecoins on spot markets, but will restrict their availability for European users only on certain products.”

With the implementation of the MiCA regulations, firms operating in the cryptocurrency space will face increased accountability. Their risk management practices, compliance measures, banking infrastructure, and the reliability of audits by major public firms will come under heightened scrutiny.

This enhanced oversight is designed to promote regulatory clarity and transparency, which, in turn, is expected to boost customer confidence through improved consumer protection measures. However, for new entrants looking to join the market, the barriers to entry are likely to be higher.

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Teuta Franjkovic
About the Author

Teuta Franjkovic

Teuta is a seasoned writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has expertise in covering macroeconomics and technology as well as the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries. She has worked for several publications as a journalist and editor, including Forbes, Bloomberg, CoinTelegraph, Coin Rivet, CoinSpeaker, VRWorld and Arcane Bear. Teuta began her professional career in 2005, working as a lifestyle writer at Cosmopolitan in Croatia. From there, she branched out to several other publications, covering mainly business and the economy. She then turned her attention to the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain, believing that crypto is among the most important inventions in the history of humanity. Her involvement in fintech began in 2014 and she has since lent her expertise in writing, editing and gathering information about the world of crypto, blockchain, NFTs and Web3. An all-round news hound, mentor, editor, and writer, Teuta enjoys teamwork and good communication. She holds a WSET2 diploma and has a thing for chablis, punkrock music and shoes. She also holds a double MA in Political science and Entrepreneurship.
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