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Stablecoins have become an integral part of the digital asset ecosystem, reaching 15.6 tNN in volume of transactions annualized in 2024 (119% and 200% of Visa and Mastercard, according to ARK Invest) and now dispute on traditional finances with transactions based on blockchain. However, concerns about transparency, security and regulatory surveillance have long surrounded the industry.
To respond to these concerns, the European Union has introduced markets into the Crypto-Sets (MICA) regulation, establishing clear directives for the issue of Stablecoin. This regulatory framework is designed to protect consumers, guarantee financial stability and create a level playground for digital assets (AKA Crypto). This means that companies and institutions can work with trust, transparent and compliant stablecoin suppliers.
Mica, which entered into force in 2024, is a historic step in training the future of digital assets in Europe. It provides a clear framework for stablecoin issuers, forcing strict financial and operational requirements. It obliges stablecoin issuers to respond to a certain number of important regulatory requests, starting, above all, in search of regulatory approval, according to which emitters in electronic silver tokens must hold a license in the electronic currency institution or be a financial institution.
Then, they must have complete individual reserves, which means that each token must be entirely supported by high quality and very liquid financial reserves. The asset custody must be independent, so that the reserves must be held separately from the assets of the transmitter, guaranteeing complete reachapability. Emitters must provide regular reports and transparency to regulators and undergo independent financial audits. Finally, there cannot be any payment of interest or yield on stables -coats in accordance with mica, ensuring that they are used as a means of payment rather than an investment vehicle.
The role of regulations
The regulations are really important because these measures are essential to establish confidence in the Stablescoin market, ensuring that only regulated and responsible issuers remain operational in Europe. But it is not only about conformity; It is a question of creating a basis of confidence, stability and long -term viability. Many digital assets have worked in an unregulated environment, which has led to uncertainty, lack of transparency and potential risks for businesses and investors. However, with the mica in place, unregulated stablecoins will no longer be authorized to operate on the European market.
Companies should choose to use the stables of regulated issuers, as this provides them with a certain number of security measures, such as legal security, by which companies can transform with confidence, knowing that their stablecoin supplier is a regulated entity, by following strict financial and operational requirements. As they are fully supported and verified, the stablecoins provide market stability that minimizes risks and provides a predictable stable digital asset for transactions. Since compliance with European financial regulations reassures institutions, regulators and business customers, institutional trust has become the standard.
It is also very important to consider the jurisdiction in which the stablecoin transmitter is based. For example, the Netherlands are one of the few banking countries classified in Europe, recognized for its financial force, stability and regulatory rigor. The use of stablecoins emitted by the EMIs which maintain level 1 banking relations is essential to ensure that reservations by Euros supporting the stablescoins in circulation are held in accounts with trusted financial institutions. Level 1 financial institutions have large balance sheets, ensuring that stablecoin reserves are well diversified and are not subject to a high concentration risk.
There are many advantages of the bank in an AAA jurisdiction, in particular, funds are saved in very liquid and high -level financial institutions, leading to stronger reserves management. It provides greater institutional confidence and, of course, companies prefer stablecoins supported by regulated and well -capitalized banks. Then, there is the fact that a solid banking framework guarantees ramps / stops of fiat without seam and reduces the risks of screening, offering scalability and liquidity. Stablecoin transmitters can even go further by holding reservations in a structured and independently governed foundation, ensuring complete protection of assets in the unlikely case of the financial difficulty of a transmitter.
The future of stablecoins in Europe is clear. Only regulated, transparent and fully supported digital assets will survive under Mica.