Alfie Thomas

The Future of USDT under the MiCA Regime

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Prominent Exchanges Set to Delist USDT and 5 Stablecoins Due to MiCA

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Cryptocurrency exchanges of repute are poised to stop trading six leading stablecoins by July 1, 2024, in an effort to stay compliant with the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). These delisting initiatives are part of a growing trend where major crypto exchanges are reshaping their stablecoin offerings to fit within the new EU legislative parameters.

Stablecoins Subject to Delisting and User Actions
These notable exchanges have informed their European clientele that they will no longer support the following stablecoins:

Tether (USDT)
Dai (DAI)
Frax Protocol (FRAX)
Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
Pax Dollar (USDP)
TrueUSD (TUSD)


Account holders are urged to exchange these digital assets for different cryptocurrencies by June 28, 2024. Subsequent to this deadline, any outstanding balances in the affected stablecoins will be converted into USD Coin (USDC) automatically by the exchanges.

MiCA's Regulatory Stance on Stablecoins
MiCA, enacted in May 2023 and partially effective since June 2023, is slated to be fully operational by the year's end in 2024. The regulation sets forth a robust framework governing the cryptocurrency sphere within the European Economic Area (EEA), laying down stringent conditions for the circulation of stablecoins.

Critical Aspects of MiCA Pertaining to Stablecoins:
Fiat-pegged Stablecoins: These are mandated to retain a 1:1 reserve of liquid assets, which must be held by an independent third party, separate from other assets.
E-money Tokens: Such tokens are subject to increased regulatory scrutiny when they surpass determined market thresholds.
Algorithmic Stablecoins: These types of stablecoins are expressly prohibited under the new regulation.
These provisions aim to strengthen consumer protection, ensuring that stablecoins can effectively fulfill their intended roles as stores of value and as payment tools. Inline with MiCA, stablecoin operators within the EU are required to secure authorizations as either credit institutions or Electronic Money Institutions.

Crypto Exchange Policy Adjustments
In light of the MiCA directive, many significant cryptocurrency exchanges have modified their listing strategies for stablecoins:

Binance: Has categorized its stablecoin offerings into compliant and non-compliant groups, while specific details are yet to be disclosed.
OKX: Preemptively delisted Tether (USDT) in Europe in March, not explicitly attributing the decision to MiCA.
Kraken: Is actively deliberating the inclusion of USDT in its European market operations.
Prospects for Euro-denominated Stablecoins
Amidst the stringent implications of MiCA for various stablecoins, those pegged to the euro might stand to gain from the new controlled environment. The emphasis on robust reserves and regulatory adherence could render euro-backed stablecoins more attractive and trustworthy to the end-users and traders alike.

The move by renown exchanges to eliminate support for certain mainstream stablecoins represents a decisive adaptation to the MiCA guidelines. As the EU advances towards tighter regulation of the crypto economy, exchanges and stablecoin providers must tactfully address these shifts to stay compliant while retaining consumer confidence. The crypto ecosystem and interested parties will remain vigilant to how these regulations shape the market trends and the integration of distinct classes of stablecoins within the European Economic Area.

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The Future of USDT under the MiCA Regime

Alfie Thomas

Head of Trading

Alfie Thomas, Head of Trading.

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