MiCA

Following the implementation of MiCA, EU policymakers are debating whether to centralize crypto supervision under ESMA. This move, supported by countries like France and Italy, aims to create consistent enforcement across member states, similar to the US SEC model.

In 2025, the crypto landscape evolved significantly with clearer regulatory frameworks, a focus on stablecoins, and increased institutional adoption, making the industry more mature and safer.

The European Commission’s plan to centralize crypto licensing under ESMA is causing concern in the industry, with experts warning of delays and uncertainty.

The European Commission has proposed a plan to centralize crypto oversight under a single ‘super-watchdog’, ESMA, aiming to reduce regulatory fragmentation and create a more unified market.

A consortium of 10 European banks, including BNP Paribas, is developing a euro-backed stablecoin to compete with US dollar stablecoins. The project will be registered in Amsterdam under the name Qivalis and aims for launch in H2 2026.

In an exclusive interview, OKX’s Roy van Krimpen discusses the fundamental shift in the crypto market, where institutional players are now driving adoption. He explains how clearer European regulations, like MiCA, are giving banks and large corporations the confidence to enter the space, marking a new, more mature phase for digital assets.

KuCoin has secured a MiCA license from Austrian regulators, allowing it to resume operations across 27 European countries, including the Netherlands, after ceasing services last year due to a lack of proper licensing.

Dutch Bitcoin startup Blockrise has secured a MiCA license, allowing it to offer regulated Bitcoin services across the EU. The company plans to expand with a €15 million funding round and introduce Bitcoin-backed loans, aiming to become a major European player despite Bitcoin’s recent price volatility.