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Cryptocurrency after the European Union’s MiCA regulation
Disclosure: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views and opinions of the crypto.news editorial.
THE Markets in cryptocurrency regulation (MiCA) marks a significant milestone in the European Union’s journey to regulate the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market. Its timing and provisions are of enormous importance to both crypto businesses and investors. As we approach key dates, starting with the implementation of stablecoin provisions from June 30, 2024 and the full implementation of MiCA on December 30, 2024, the cryptocurrency landscape is undergoing a transformation.
In the next two years
The staggered deadlines and transitional periods of MiCA, which extend until 30 June 2026, imply a period of fragmented implementation across the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA). Jurisdictions such as Ireland (12 VASPs), Spain (96 VASPs) and Germany (12 VASPs) will grant a 12-month transition period. In contrast, other jurisdictions will offer more extended periods, such as France (107 VASPs) with 18 months, while Lithuania (588 VASPs) will likely only grant five months. This transitional phase will favor market consolidation as not all existing service providers will secure MiCA licenses. Many will look to take advantage of this transitional period before closing operations.
The race among EU/EEA jurisdictions to become the leading hub for cryptocurrency activity is intensifying, with jurisdictions such as France, Malta and Ireland competing for the top spot. However, regulators’ readiness and compliance for crypto-asset activity pose significant challenges. Regulators are going through an adjustment period to upskill their staff to process MiCA applications, particularly in jurisdictions with high volumes of applicants. The complexity of the various business models, which include numerous products unfamiliar to regulators, exacerbates this challenge. The general lack of expertise to authorise and supervise this sector requires significant training efforts.
Challenges for Cryptocurrencies
MiCA, together with the wide range of related Level 2 measures (many of which are yet to be finalised) and other applicable EU instruments such as anti-money laundering laws, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the Electronic Money Directive (EMD), create a complex regulatory framework. Some will find it difficult to understand which provisions apply to each entity type and what documentation needs to be implemented.
The removal of cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, from EU exchanges due to their issuers’ failure to obtain timely licenses will pose significant obstacles and limit the availability of certain assets to consumers.
Adapting to MiCA will challenge many entities and require substantial investments in technology infrastructure. THE Travel rulea requirement that information must be shared between VASPs with every crypto transaction also comes into effect at the same time as MiCA. The Travel Rule requires CASPs to transfer a substantial amount of originator information. This includes your address, personal identification number and customer identification number. In rare cases, it may even require disclosure of the originator’s date and place of birth. This adds an additional layer of complexity, further highlighting the need for harmonization within the EU and solutions to comply with the Travel Rule that are interoperable and enable secure data sharing while preserving user privacy.
Cryptocurrency Market Key Findings
Despite the challenges, MiCA instills confidence in EU entities by increasing regulatory oversight, promoting investor protection, and attracting mainstream institutional participation. Improved consumer protection measures mitigate risks such as fraud and hacking, promoting trust among retail customers.
MiCA reporting requirements will provide regulators across the EU with more data, enabling them to monitor market activity effectively. The ability to freely transfer activities across the EU will facilitate cross-border operations and reduce regulatory fragmentation, while broadening market reach.
The prescriptive nature and all-encompassing regime of MiCA has set a precedent for global regulatory frameworks. Other jurisdictions are already observing and may replicate some of MiCA’s provisions and approach, contributing to regulatory harmonization worldwide. However, concerns remain that it will stifle growth and innovation and whether companies will seek to move to more permissive and less restrictive jurisdictions.
Steps after MiCA
MiCA’s shortcomings in regulating emerging areas such as true defi (the provision of financial services or the issuance of financial assets without identifiable intermediaries and without a single point of failure), lending and NFTs require ongoing and further policy discussions regulatory measures. Reports on these aspects will inform future regulatory developments, potentially leading to a second iteration of MiCA at least in the next four to five years or additional measures.
MiCA marks a new era of regulation in the cryptocurrency market, aiming to balance innovation with investor protection and market integrity. While challenges remain, MiCA lays the foundation for a more transparent, safe and inclusive crypto framework in the EU and beyond. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, regulatory regimes must adapt to emerging trends and technologies, ensuring sustainable growth and fostering investor confidence.
Ernesto Lima
Ernesto Lima is a founding partner of XReg Consulting and a qualified lawyer with over 17 years of experience in financial services regulation. As XReg’s Head of Legal and Regulatory Policy, he has extensive experience in designing, developing and implementing crypto legislative frameworks that meet both global and local policy objectives. At XReg, Ernest leverages in-house expertise on European Crypto Markets Regulation (MiCA) to advise European clients or those looking to enter the European market. He also leads the dialogue with European public sector officials and national competent authorities in their transition to MiCA compliance. Ernest has also spoken at industry conferences and trained international regulators on European MiCA regulation and how it will shape the future of the international crypto regulatory landscape. He also sits on the Financial Markets Law Committee to address issues arising from the use of cryptocurrencies and DLT.
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US Cryptocurrency Rules Delayed by ‘Never-Ending’ Lawsuits
Ripple CEO says cryptocurrency industry still seeking regulatory clarity from US
Speaking to Bloomberg News on Wednesday (July 17), Author: Brad Garlinghouse he said America is behind behind other countries which have already adopted cryptocurrency regulations.
“What we’re seeing, where it’s the UK, Japan, Singapore… even the European Union, more than two dozen countries have come together to provide a framework for cryptocurrency regulation,” Garlinghouse said.
“It’s frustrating that we as a country can’t get that regulatory framework in place. And instead, we have this never-ending lawsuit coming from the SEC that doesn’t really address the problem.”
Ripple has been the target of some of these legal disputes. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued the company in 2020, accusing it of conducting a $1.3 billion operation offering of unregistered securities tied to its XRP token.
However, last year a judge ruled that only Ripple’s institutional sales of XRP, not retail sales, violated the law, a decision widely seen as a victory for the cryptocurrency industry.
As PYMNTS noted at the time, that ruling has “far-reaching repercussions impact across the digital asset ecosystem, which has long maintained that its tokens do not represent securities contracts.”
However, Garlinghouse told Bloomberg on Wednesday that the company cannot wage multimillion-dollar legal battles over each token.
He spoke to the news agency from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where the party is backing the candidacies of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, both of whom are considered pro-cryptocurrency.
But Garlinghouse argued that cryptocurrencies “should not be a partisan issue,” and noted that he had recently attended a conference in Washington that included Democrats, including White House officials.
“I think they were there, listening to the industry… it was refreshing to start having that conversation,” she said.
President Joe Biden earlier this year he vetoed a measure which would have ended the SEC’s special rules for crypto-asset custodians. This legislation was supported by both the digital asset industry and the banking industry.
Ripple early this year donated $25 million to the cryptocurrency industry’s super PAC Fair Smoothiewith Garlinghouse stating at the time that such donations would continue every year, as long as the industry had its detractors.
Second Open SecretsWhich monitor spending For campaigns, the PAC has spent $13.4 million this year, much of it to help defeat Rep. Katie Porter’s (D-Calif.) U.S. Senate campaign.
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The Future of Cybersecurity in the Cryptocurrency Industry
The cryptocurrency space has had a tumultuous journey, with its fair share of ups and downs. As we look to the future, one area that remains a constant focus is cybersecurity. The digital nature of cryptocurrencies makes them inherently vulnerable to cyber threats, and as the industry evolves, so does the landscape of potential risks.
In 2022, the cryptocurrency market faced significant challenges, with over $2 trillion in market value lost. This event served as a wake-up call for the industry, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The future of cryptocurrency security is expected to see a shift towards more regulated and established institutions taking the reins of crypto technology and blockchain infrastructure.
The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies offers numerous benefits, such as transparency and financial inclusion. However, it also introduces unique security challenges. The risk landscape is filled with threats such as hacking, phishing, ransomware attacks, malware, and social engineering. These threats not only lead to financial losses, but also damage the reputation and trust within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
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The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies offers many benefits, but it also presents unique security challenges. Cyber risks such as hacking, phishing, and ransomware pose threats to the integrity of digital assets. The infrastructure that supports cryptocurrencies is not immune to vulnerabilities, including smart contract flaws and exchange hacks.
To address these vulnerabilities, the infrastructure that supports cryptocurrencies must be strengthened. Smart contract vulnerabilities, exchange hacks, wallet breaches, and flaws in the underlying blockchain technology are significant concerns that must be addressed to ensure the security and integrity of digital assets.
As cybercriminal tactics and techniques become more sophisticated, the cryptocurrency industry must stay ahead of the curve. The future will likely see more targeted attacks, exploiting weaknesses in infrastructure, networks, and human factors. This requires a proactive and multifaceted approach to cybersecurity.
To mitigate these risks, several measures must be adopted:
Strengthening security measures: Developers, exchanges, and wallet providers must improve security protocols, use strong encryption, implement multi-factor authentication, and conduct regular security audits.
Education and awareness: Users should be educated on best practices for protecting their digital assets, including using strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and using hardware wallets for secure storage.
Looking ahead, the cryptocurrency industry is expected to see an increased focus on robust security measures. Blockchain projects and exchanges are likely to invest in advanced encryption techniques and decentralized storage solutions to protect user assets. The future impact of cyber risk on cryptocurrencies will depend on the collective efforts of stakeholders to address vulnerabilities and strengthen security measures.
Collective efforts by stakeholders in the cryptocurrency space are crucial to address vulnerabilities and strengthen security measures. While challenges persist, advances in cybersecurity technologies and practices offer hope for a more secure and resilient cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The future of cybersecurity in the cryptocurrency industry depends on finding a balance between innovation and regulation. It requires a collaborative effort from all parties involved, from developers to end users, to create a secure environment that fosters trust and growth in the industry. As we move forward, it is critical that lessons learned from past events guide the development of stronger security measures, ensuring the longevity and stability of cryptocurrencies as a vital part of the modern economic toolkit.
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Bullish XRP and RLBK price predictions rise, outpacing the broader cryptocurrency market, prompting Shiba Inu holders to switch!
Bitcoin’s one-week surge from $60,000 has pushed other cryptocurrencies into an uptrend. However, for many altcoins, this trend has been temporary. Altcoins such as XRP and Shiba Inu (SHIB) have experienced price drops. However, Rollblock, a new altcoin on the Ethereum blockchain, has thrived during this period, attracting thousands of investors looking for long-term growth.
XRP’s Nearly 30% Growth Over Last Week Drops as Selling Pressure Increases
XRP is seeing further price decline as Ripple investors withdraw their profits from the token. The surge in XRP’s price to $0.64 in the past week has provided investors with a perfect opportunity to increase their returns in the short term. With the ongoing sell-off in XRP, XRP has jumped over 8% in the past day and is now trading at $0.59. However, analysts tracking XRP indicators predict that XRP could still extend its gains by over 30% in the coming weeks.
Shiba Inu (SHIB) marks its third consecutive day of losses
Shiba Inu (SHIB) is in a period of adjustment after a week of strong gains. In the last 24 hours, SHIB has seen a jump of over 7%, reflecting a natural market fluctuation. Analysts are observing a death cross on the Shiba Inu chart, which historically signals the potential for future opportunities as the market stabilizes. As investors explore new possibilities, some are diversifying into promising altcoins like Rollblock (RBLK) to strategically rebalance their portfolios and capitalize on the emerging trend.
Rollblock (RBLK) Up Another 7% as New Investors Join Pre-Sale
Rollblock (RBLK) has taken the cryptocurrency market by storm, having attracted investors from more popular altcoins like Shiba Inu (SHIB) and XRP. Rollblock’s growth is attributed to its utility in the $450 billion global gaming industry.
Rollblock aims to use blockchain technology to bridge the gap between centralized and decentralized gambling. With blockchain technology, Rollblock secures every transaction in its online casino, providing transparency and convenience to millions of players who are uncomfortable placing bets on other iGaming platforms.
This innovative use of blockchain technology in the industry has grown Rollblock to over 4,000 new users in less than two months. With plans to add sports betting, this number is expected to grow exponentially in Q3.
Rollblock uses a revenue sharing model that splits up to 30% of its casino’s weekly profits with token holders. This happens after Rollblock buys back $RBLK from the open market and uses half of it for rewards. The other half is burned to increase the price of $RBLK.
Rollblock price has seen four increases in the past month with $RBLK tokens now selling for $0.017. Analysts predict that at the current growth rate, Rollblock could increase by over 800% before the presale ends. For investors looking for a long-term token with growth potential, phase four is the best time to buy Rollblock before its price skyrockets!
Discover the exciting Rollblock (RBLK) pre-sale opportunities now!
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Texas Crypto Miners Turn to AI as Crypto Declines
As cryptocurrency mining becomes less profitable, Texas cryptocurrency mining companies are switching to supporting artificial intelligence companies.
Bitcoin miners, with their sprawling data centers and access to significant energy resources, are ideally suited for computationally intensive AI operations, and as cryptocurrency mining becomes less profitable, companies see this shift as a logical answer to their problems.
On Thursday, Houston-based Lancium and Denver-based Crusoe Energy Systems announced a multibillion-dollar deal to build a 200-megawatt data center near the West Texas city of Abilene to support advanced artificial intelligence applications such as medical research and aircraft design, CNBC reported. The plant represents the first phase of a larger 1.2 gigawatt project.
Lancium and Crusoe’s move into AI mirrors a broader trend among bitcoin miners. The combined market capitalization of the top U.S.-listed bitcoin miners hit a record $22.8 billion in June. Companies like Bit Digital and Hut 8 are diversifying into AI, with Bit Digital securing a $92 million annual revenue deal to supply Nvidia GPUs and Hut 8 raising $150 million to expand its AI data center.
But the growing popularity of these operations also presents challenges, particularly for the Texas power grid. Last month, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced that the state is expected to nearly double its energy production by 2030 to meet the high energy demands of data centers and cryptocurrency operations.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick expressed concern about the projections.
“Cryptocurrency miners and data centers will account for more than 50% of the additional growth. We need to take a close look at these two sectors,” He wrote on Twitter/X. “They produce very few jobs compared to the incredible demands they place on our network. Cryptocurrency miners could actually make more money selling electricity to the network than they do from their cryptocurrency mining operations.”
Analysts predict significant growth in data center power capacity, which is expected to account for up to 9% of U.S. electricity consumption by 2030.
The operations also pose challenges for nearby cities. Earlier this month, TIME reported that a crypto-mining facility was seriously compromising the health of residents in the city of Granbury. TIME reported more than 40 people with serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and hearing loss. At least 10 of the residents needed to go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility.
The disturbances were caused by the extreme noise generated by the crypto-mining facility’s fans, which are used to keep the machines cool. While the proposed data center in Abilene would use liquid cooling systems, it’s still unclear whether the facility’s operations would pose a health risk to local residents.
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