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Europe

European Union

MiCAR establishes the EU's comprehensive cryptoasset regime, with the DLT Pilot Regime forming a coordinated framework for digital finance across the single market.

regulatory maturity
Advanced
market positioning
Harmonised Market
advisory suitability
High
institutional readiness
Mature
A · Regulatory Scope

Scope, licensing and operational frame.

Scope of Regulation

MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) is fully applicable across the EU, covering CASPs, ARTs, EMTs and crypto issuers.

Who requires a licence

Crypto-Asset Service Providers, issuers of ARTs and EMTs, and certain advisory entities.

Restricted activities

Unauthorised cross-border services; non-compliant issuance.

Permitted activities

Passportable CASP activities; authorised ART/EMT issuance.

Practical & advisory implications

Capital, governance, conflicts management and disclosure obligations apply.

B · Regulatory Timeline

Evolution at a glance.

2023

MiCAR and DLT Pilot Regime enter force.

2024

MiCAR ART/EMT rules applicable.

2025

Full MiCAR applicability.

2026

Coordinated supervision and Level 2 measures consolidate.

C · News & Updates

Recent regulatory signals.

News2026-01-24

ESMA publishes MiCAR supervisory convergence report

Circular2026-01-15

EBA guidance on stablecoin reserve composition

D · Mercury Advisory View

"MiCAR provides regulatory certainty and passporting advantages; transitional structuring is critical."

Mercury Regulatory Intelligence
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Related reports and direct advisory on European Union.