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Markets in crypto-assets regulation (MICA)

In the evolving landscape of EU crypto regulation, the MiCA directive stands prominent. At Fintech Simple, we demystify its complexities, offering bespoke legal and corporate services tailored to obtaining crypto licenses. Navigate the intricate corridors of EU regulations with ease and confidence, securing your business's future in the digital finance frontier.

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Pioneers in EU Crypto Licensing Crafting the future of fintech with comprehensive regulatory support

Fintech Simple has been at the forefront of the European fintech revolution, providing specialized legal and corporate services for obtaining crypto licenses in the EU since 2017. Our rich history underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in this dynamic industry.

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The Minds Behind the Mission

Our team comprises seasoned lawyers, experts, and consultants, each bringing a unique perspective and skill set to the table. Every project we undertake benefits from our collective experience and knowledge, ensuring unparalleled service quality

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Crafted with Precision

This article is a testament to our expertise, meticulously prepared by our dedicated lawyers and specialists. It embodies our dedication to disseminating accurate and actionable knowledge to our clientele

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Beyond Licensing

We provide in-depth consulting services addressing the regulatory landscape of crypto-companies. Our hands-on guidance ensures that businesses are well-equipped to navigate and adapt to the intricacies outlined in MiCA

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Adapting to MiCA: Your Legal Compass

The MiCA framework introduces multifaceted challenges and opportunities for crypto-businesses. With Fintech Simple by your side, rest assured that your venture will receive the legal guidance it needs to thrive and conform to MiCA's stipulations seamlessly

Entrust your journey in the crypto realm to experts who have walked the path many times over – Fintech Simple is here to guide every step of the way

Over the past decade, the evolution of blockchain technology and the rise of WEB 3.0 have profoundly reshaped our daily experiences. They've not only been instrumental in birthing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum but have also ushered in a new era with the emergence of terms and concepts such as virtual assets, tokens, smart contracts, NFTs, and ICOs.

Blockchain: Pioneering Modern Financial Transformations

As days go by, the ripple effects of blockchain become more evident, particularly within the financial realm. An array of today's payment systems and investment mechanisms are intricately woven with virtual assets and digital currencies.

Blockchain ensures transactional security and clarity, eradicating the need for centralized intermediaries. Additionally, it paves the way for groundbreaking financial breakthroughs, including decentralized finance (DeFi) and digital marketplaces.

Navigating Virtual Asset Regulation: Striking the
Balance between Innovation and Investor Protection

Regulating blockchain technologies and digital currencies is a complex and ever-evolving endeavor. The current legislative frameworks and guidelines often lag behind the rapid advancements in the virtual asset landscape, fintech, and financial innovation sectors. Worldwide, regulators grapple with striking a balance between ensuring investor security and fostering technological progress.

This regulatory approach varies across nations:

  • while some lean towards outright bans (like China);
  • others gravitate towards stringent oversight (such as the USA);
  • there are those that have embraced cryptocurrencies at a national level (El Salvador, for instance).
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CRYPTOCURRENCY REGULATION IN THE EU The EU's Initial Strides Towards a Unified Virtual Asset Regulatory Framework

Until recently, the European Union lacked a consolidated regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency and virtual asset domain. Each member state had the autonomy to govern this sector as they saw fit, resulting in a fragmented approach to regulating the burgeoning blockchain and crypto-investment industry.

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5AMLD: Paving the Way for Pan-European Oversight

Aiming to establish a cohesive legal environment and bolster consumer and investor protection, the EU embarked on a journey to create a unified set of regulations. In 2019, the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD) was adopted, expanding the AML/CFT measures to encompass cryptocurrency exchanges, trading platforms, and custodial wallet providers. This directive necessitated crypto service providers to adhere to customer identification standards, monitor transactions, and amplify anti-money laundering efforts

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EU Member States: A Spectrum from Rigorous Oversight to Moderate Policies

Despite these strides, EU member states have yet to fully harmonize their regulatory approaches towards cryptocurrency entities and service providers. For instance, some countries adopted a stringent regulatory stance (Germany's BaFin, Estonia's FIU) while others opted for a more lenient framework (Lithuania's FNTT), or required a simple notification process to operate within the crypto realm (Czech Republic's FAU, Poland's KAS)

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MiCA: A Renewed Prospect for Cohesive Crypto Regulation

Given the discordant regulatory landscape and the potential risks in the AML/CFT sector, the European Commission, in 2019, initiated the formulation of the MiCa directive or Markets in Crypto-assets. This directive aims to be applicable uniformly across all EU member states

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MICA DIRECTIVE Navigating Markets in Crypto-assets: A New Era of European Crypto Oversight

The 2023/1114 Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCa) Regulation was forged on the backbone of the 2015/849 (4th AML Directive, 4AMLD) and 2018/843 (5th AML Directive, 5AMLD) directives, coupled with insights from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This draft directive, supervised by the European Commission, was unveiled to the public in September 2020 as a cornerstone of a comprehensive suite aimed at sculpting the virtual asset and digital finance landscape.

MiCa: Striking a Balance Between Innovation and Governance

The essence of the Markets in Crypto-assets Regulation is to seamlessly integrate a robust set of measures into the EU's legal framework. This harmonization is geared towards nurturing the potential and innovative fabric of the digital finance sector, promoting fair competition among crypto businesses, and mitigating the financial and AML/CFT vulnerabilities.

Key Tenets of MiCa: From Transparency to Consumer Safeguarding

The MiCa directive delineates unified benchmarks across the following spectrums:

  • transparency and disclosure requirements for the issuance, offer to the public and admission of crypto-assets to trading on a trading platform for crypto-assets;
  • requirements for the authorisation and supervision of crypto-asset service providers, issuers of asset-referenced tokens and issuers of e-money tokens, as well as for their operation, organisation and governance;
  • requirements for the protection of holders of crypto-assets in the issuance, offer to the public and admission to trading of crypto-assets;
  • requirements for the protection of clients of crypto-asset service providers;
  • measures to prevent insider dealing, unlawful disclosure of inside information and market manipulation related to crypto-assets, in order to ensure the integrity of markets in crypto-assets.

MiCa and the Travel Rule: A Dual Offensive Against Ambiguity

The Markets in Crypto-assets Regulation was ratified by the European Parliament on April 20, 2023, following years of meticulous deliberations and dialogues among legislators. Alongside MiCa, influenced by FATF directives, the 2023/1113 TFR (Regulation on information accompanying transfers of funds and certain crypto-assets) was embraced, colloquially termed as the Travel Rule. This directive sets the normative standards related to information accompanying financial and crypto-asset transfers, fostering an enhanced landscape for tracking virtual currency exchanges.

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WHO IS SUBJECT TO THE MICA REGULATION? Inside MiCA's Scope: Who's in the Crosshairs of the New Directive?

The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is tailored to oversee the operations of crypto service providers and issuers of crypto-assets within the European Union. In essence, MiCA primarily targets crypto-related firms offering a variety of services linked to cryptocurrency exchanges, as well as entities providing cryptocurrency storage and management services. Furthermore, the MiCA provisions are set to regulate issuers of distinct tokens, especially those of asset-referenced tokens (ART or security tokens), and electronic money tokens (EMTs).

MiCA in Action: What's on the Horizon for European Crypto Enterprises?

The enforcement of the Markets in Crypto-assets is poised to profoundly impact the operations of European crypto exchanges, crypto-trading platforms, custodial wallet providers, and various token issuers. As a consequence, crypto service providers will be mandated to adhere to a set of standards and regulations, encompassing licensing requirements, transparency and information disclosure, as well as risk management and corporate governance directives.

Crypto-Enterprises (CASP or Crypto-Asset Service Providers)

With the MiCA regulations set to kick off in early 2025, the most profound ripple effects will be felt by the segment of the crypto industry catering to retail clients with crypto-asset related services, namely cryptocurrency exchanges, trading platforms, and custodial wallet services.

To pinpoint specifics, as per the Markets in Crypto-assets directive, the following crypto-business operations fall under the new legal framework:

  • providing custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
  • operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets;
  • exchange of crypto-assets for funds;
  • exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets;
  • execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
  • placing of crypto-assets;
  • reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
  • providing advice on crypto-assets;
  • providing portfolio management on crypto-assets;
  • providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.

 

The intent behind the Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA) regulation is to provide retail clients with a level of protection commensurate with what's found in traditional financial markets.

The overarching goal of these novelties is to enhance the transparency and stability of the crypto-asset market while bolstering trust in the cryptocurrency and virtual asset sector.

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Token and Crypto-asset Issuers

MiCA aspires to ensure that issuers of crypto-assets, those presenting any form of virtual assets to the public or aiming to list such assets on trading platforms, adhere to transparency and information disclosure standards, thus safeguarding investor interests and market stability.

Asset-referenced tokens or ART are a crypto-asset type designed to maintain a stable value by referencing the worth of several fiat currencies (which are legal tender), various commodities, multiple crypto-assets, or a blend of such assets.

MiCA mandates that ART issuers meet stringent capital, corporate governance requirements, and ensure transparency concerning the assets backing the token's value.

Electronic money tokens or EMTs are crypto-assets primarily intended for exchange purposes, maintaining their value by referencing the worth of a fiat currency that's legal tender.

EMT issuers are required to align with standards akin to traditional electronic money issuers within the European Union, inclusive of capital, licensing, and corporate governance requisites.

Therefore, regulators are determined to ensure that consumers and investors are well-informed about the risks and attributes of each crypto-asset they interact with.

What About Utility Tokens?

Utility tokens, also recognized as tokens of utility, constitute a distinct crypto-asset category. These are crafted to offer specific functionalities within a particular blockchain ecosystem or application.

According to MiCA regulations, if utility tokens don't align with crypto-asset definitions like ART or EMT, they might not strictly fall within this regulation's ambit. Nonetheless, depending on the token's structure and purpose, it might be governed by other existing laws and regulations.

For instance, if a utility token is marketed as an investment vehicle or its sale appears as a fundraising activity, regulators might deem them as securities or analogous financial tools, thereby subjecting them to relevant regulations.

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CASP REQUIREMENTS: A Primer for Crypto-companies in the EU

Under the purview of the Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA) directive, a comprehensive set of criteria and requirements has been outlined for market participants providing crypto-asset related services. The endgame? To bolster the transparency and stability of the EU's innovative fintech industry.

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CASP Activity Licensing

All CASPs operating or extending their services within the European Union must secure a crypto-license from the respective EU member state. However, it's crucial to note that the intricacies of obtaining such a license might differ slightly based on the member state, the nature of the services, and the operational scale

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CASP's Charter Capital Criteria

The MiCA regulations are stringent when it comes to CASP's charter capital. Primarily, these increased demands guarantee financial service stability and the protection of client rights. Moreover, they also serve as an entry barrier, safeguarding the crypto-service realm from inadvertent and unseasoned service providers

Here's the share capital requriments breakdown:

  • € 50 000
  • execution of orders on behalf of clients;
  • placing of crypto-assets;
  • providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
  • reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
  • providing advice on crypto-assets;
  • providing portfolio management on crypto-assets
  • € 125 000
  • providing custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
  • exchange of crypto-assets for funds;
  • exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets
  • € 150 000
  • operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets

In the updated provisions, there's an established requisite that issuers of asset-backed tokens (ART) maintain a capital reserve of €350,000. The goal? To ensure they possess the essential reserves for financial steadiness

AML Policies

CASP entities are mandated to craft and enforce an effective anti-money laundering (AML) policy. This framework should focus on detecting, assessing, and managing risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. It's also imperative for crypto firms to have solid client identification processes, conduct continuous monitoring of crypto-transactions, and report any suspicious activities.

Operational Standards

Service providers must authenticate and integrate continuous business and operational risk management practices. It's crucial for CASP entities to devise strategies that address IT risks, especially those pertaining to cybersecurity.

Client Communication

It's a CASP's responsibility to enlighten their clientele about the risks tied to crypto-asset investments. Service providers should also be transparent about pricing and disclose all associated fees and charges.

Dispute Resolution

CASP entities need to have robust mechanisms in place to address and resolve any disputes between the clients and service providers promptly, avoiding lengthy court proceedings.

Data Storage Protocols

Crypto entities are obligated to ensure that their clients' personal data is stored securely. Adherence to data protection standards, especially GDPR, is non-negotiable.

Client Asset Security

Crypto service providers must draw a clear line between client funds and the company’s own assets. Ensuring the safety of digital wallets and other digital asset storage tools is paramount.

Leadership Qualifications

Those occupying senior management roles within CASP's organizational structure should possess significant expertise and professionalism, complemented by an unblemished business reputation.

Staff Training

Consistent employee training, especially in areas like anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, risk management, and cybersecurity, is a must for CASP entities.

Understanding and strictly adhering to the stipulated requirements is a cornerstone for crypto firms hoping to flourish within the EU. As the crypto-asset market undergoes rapid transformations, aligning with the MiCA directive ensures transparency, security, and instills trust from both clients and regulatory bodies.

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ICO STANDARDS Regulatory Spotlight on Key Aspects and Norms

The EU's MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) was conceived to craft a uniform regulatory landscape for crypto-assets. Within its realm, specific guidelines were formulated for ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) - a mechanism for raising capital through the launch of new cryptocurrencies or tokens.

Here's a brief on the primary ICO prerequisites as per MiCA's directive:

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Whitepaper Essentials

Every ICO is mandated to present a 'whitepaper' (or its equivalent) which should be comprehensive, transparent, and devoid of misleading content. This document must encapsulate crucial details about the token in question, the technical nuances, issuer data, project overview, associated risks, among other pivotal facets

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KYC Procedures

ICO initiators must adhere to stringent 'Know Your Customer' protocols. This is in line with the established norms to combat money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT)

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Ensuring Transparency

It's imperative for ICO organizers to maintain transparency, detailing the collection and application of funds while also shedding light on the project's progression and future trajectory

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Risk Disclosure

ICO participants should be lucidly briefed on all potential risks tied to crypto-asset investments, underscoring the fact that their entire investment could be at stake

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Fund Segregation

Capital amassed through ICOs must be stored distinctly from the organizer's proprietary assets. This is pivotal to ensure transparency and safeguard investor interests robustly

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Marketing and Promotion

All promotional materials and marketing thrusts linked to the ICO should be genuine, devoid of misleading elements, and resonate with the contents of the whitepaper

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Accountability in Reporting

ICO organizers might be bound to periodically report on the project's evolution and the allocation of the accumulated funds

These stipulations are tailored to shield investors, augment transparency, and bolster trust in the crypto-asset arena. Nonetheless, it's paramount to note that when contemplating an ICO launch or investment, seeking counsel from legal maestros in the domain is always a prudent move.

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REGULATORY AND SUPERVISORY BODIES From ESMA to National Entities: Defining Roles in the Crypto Landscape

The MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) serves as the EU's foundational blueprint for crypto-asset regulation. At its core, MiCA aims to fortify investor protection, ensure market stability, and prevent the exploitation of crypto-assets for money laundering or terrorist financing endeavors.

Under the MiCA umbrella, the primary regulatory and oversight body at the EU level is the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Yet, there's a constellation of national regulators within each EU member state, ensuring that the directive's principles are localized and adhered to.

Here’s a quick breakdown of ESMA's and national regulators' key duties and authority under MiCA:

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Licensing Dynamics

Both ESMA and the national regulatory bodies oversee the issuance, renewal, and potential revocation of licenses for crypto-asset service providers (CASP)

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Continuous Oversight

ESMA, paired with local regulatory institutions, ensures perpetual monitoring of the activities of licensed CASPs. This is to ascertain strict compliance with MiCA’s stipulations and the broader Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) regulations. Non-compliance can lead regulators to impose penalties on CASPs, up to license withdrawal

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Investor Safeguarding

Regulators are entrusted to ensure that CASPs furnish pertinent information to investors, maintain transparency, and employ robust mechanisms to shield their client's assets

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Collaboration and Synergy

ESMA works hand-in-hand with national regulators, fostering a fluid exchange of information and ensuring a harmonized approach to crypto-asset industry regulation within the EU

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Standard Formulation

ESMA holds the prerogative to frame technical and regulatory standards, offering guidance for the effective application and interpretation of MiCA's requirements

These regulatory bodies are the linchpins in establishing stability and fostering trust in the EU's crypto-asset market. MiCA equips them with the tools and mandate to champion this role proficiently.

CONCLUSION Drawing the Lines: What Lies Ahead?

The MiCA directive stands as a watershed moment in the regulation of crypto-assets within the EU's precincts. Through it, the European Union ambitiously aims to fortify investor trust, elevate market transparency and stability for crypto-assets, and mitigate looming risks tied to money laundering or terrorist financing. Considering the mounting allure of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, the adaptation and integration of such regulatory strides aren't merely desirable but imperative for sustained economic progression.

Emerging Challenges in the Crypto Sphere

However, the administrative overhead of adhering stringently to these renewed standards and specifications merits keen scrutiny. Firms operating in the crypto-asset terrain will grapple with heightened stipulations concerning client identification, anti-money laundering protocols, equity requirements, corporate structuring, and even audit and financial reporting.

Navigating Bureaucratic Hurdles

A plethora of service providers will undergo the rigors of the licensing process, a venture demanding substantial time and financial commitment. All these intricacies might decelerate and complicate the initiation of new ventures, escalate operational costs for enterprises, and mandate the integration of specialized IT, legal, and advisory services to meet the evolving regulatory benchmarks.

REACH OUT TO US

If you're grappling with queries about the MiCA directive or are on the lookout for guidance in the crypto-asset regulatory landscape, our team is poised to assist. We cherish your engagement and pledge an unwavering professional touch to each inquiry. Please, don't hesitate to connect!

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FAQ

What is MiCA?

MiCA stands for the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, a regulatory framework for crypto-assets in the EU.

What are the primary objectives of MiCA?

It aims to protect investors, ensure market stability, and prevent the misuse of crypto-assets for money laundering or terrorism financing.

Who oversees the implementation of MiCA?

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is the main regulatory body at the EU level. National regulators in each EU member state also enforce MiCA at the local level.

What role does ESMA play?

ESMA is responsible for licensing, supervising licensed CASPs, developing standards, and coordinating with national regulators.

Are national regulators relevant under MiCA?

Yes, there are national regulators in each EU member state that ensure the directive's local enforcement.

What is the significance of MiCA?

MiCA represents a major step in regulating crypto-assets in the EU, ensuring investor protection, market transparency, and stability.

How does MiCA address money laundering and terrorism financing concerns?

Regulators ensure that Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASP) adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) norms.

What does licensing under MiCA entail?

ESMA and national regulators handle the issuance, renewal, and revocation of licenses for CASPs.

Are there challenges associated with MiCA?

Yes, CASPs face increased administrative burdens due to the directive's stringent standards and requirements.

How does MiCA impact the crypto industry's operational costs?

Adhering to MiCA may raise operation costs due to the need for specialized IT, legal, and consulting services for compliance.

Does every CASP need a license?

Many service providers will require licensing, which may be resource-intensive in terms of time and finance.

How does MiCA contribute to economic stability?

By setting standards and norms, MiCA aims to provide a regulated and stable environment for the crypto industry, fostering economic growth.

Is MiCA adaptable to the evolving crypto landscape?

While MiCA provides a framework, its real-world adaptability will depend on its implementation and subsequent amendments.

How can companies ensure MiCA compliance?

They can seek expert legal and corporate services, like those offered by Fintech Simple, to guide them through the regulatory process.

Does MiCA hamper innovation?

While it introduces regulatory norms, its intent is to provide a safe environment for both investors and businesses, not to stifle innovation.

How does MiCA enhance investor protection?

Regulators ensure that CASPs provide transparent information to investors and take measures to safeguard their assets.

Can MiCA licenses be revoked?

Yes, if CASPs violate MiCA requirements, regulators can impose sanctions, including license revocation.

What's the significance of technical and normative standards under MiCA?

ESMA can develop these standards and recommendations to assist in interpreting and applying MiCA requirements.

How does MiCA address the risks of money laundering?

By setting strict AML requirements for CASPs, MiCA aims to mitigate potential money laundering risks.

What is the directive's stance on terrorism financing?

MiCA's rigorous CFT norms ensure that crypto assets aren't misused for financing terrorist activities.

Do all EU countries follow MiCA?

All EU member states have national regulators to enforce and oversee the directive's local implementation.

How does MiCA impact new crypto projects?

It might introduce some delays and complexities due to the required regulatory compliance.

Is there any collaboration under MiCA?

Yes, ESMA collaborates with national regulators to share information and ensure a harmonized approach.

Why was MiCA introduced?

Given the rising interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain, MiCA ensures a regulated and transparent environment in the EU.

Does MiCA impact corporate structures?

CASPs will face enhanced requirements related to capital, corporate structures, auditing, and financial reporting.

Are there challenges beyond licensing under MiCA?

Yes, beyond licensing, CASPs must deal with customer identification procedures, AML processes, and more.

How can one seek expert advice on MiCA?

Entities like Fintech Simple offer specialized guidance on MiCA and related regulations.

Are there penalties for non-compliance?

Yes, penalties range from sanctions to license revocations, depending on the severity of the breach.

Does MiCA address blockchain technologies?

As a crypto-asset regulation, it indirectly addresses blockchain technologies, given their close association with cryptocurrencies.

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