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MiCA's Looming Deadline: Crypto Exchanges Shake-Up Stablecoins

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MiCA's Looming Deadline: Crypto Exchanges Shake-Up Stablecoins

The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) will come into effect on 30 June, which is only three days away. As such, many crypto exchanges offering services in the bloc are already taking measures, mostly by dropping stablecoin offerings.

“This will be a first step entering the new regulatory framework, and it will have a significant impact on the stablecoin market in the European Economic Area (EEA),” Binance, the largest crypto exchange in terms of trading volume, stated.

Crypto Exchanges Dropped Stablecoins

At least four cryptocurrency exchanges have confirmed that they are restricting some stablecoin access to users within the EEA. Bitstamp was the latest to confirm on Wednesday that it would delist the euro-denominated stablecoin, EURT, before the 30 June deadline.

EURT is a EUR-pegged stablecoin issued by Tether, the company behind the largest circulated stablecoin, USDT, with a market capitalisation of more than $112.7 billion. Interestingly, Bitstamp became one of the first crypto exchanges to list EURT in November 2021.

“Electronic Money Tokens (EMTs) which are not Euro-denominated and are already available on the exchange but not within MiCA regulation, will not be delisted, although their availability to European customers will be limited on certain products,” Bitstamp wrote in its announcement.

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“Bitstamp will not list any new EMTs that don’t meet MiCA requirements, nor will it engage in any marketing of them.”

Another major name to take action ahead of MiCA is Binance. As Finance Magnates reported earlier, the crypto exchange already blocked access to some services, including copy trading. It will also bring further restrictions, including restricting the purchase of unauthorised stablecoins and limiting new borrowings and transfers of unauthorised stablecoins in margin trading.

Uphold, another crypto exchange with ties to Ripple, also confirmed the delisting of six stablecoins, including the popular USDT, for European users. However, it will continue to support USDC, EURC, and PYUSD.

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Comply with MiCA from 30 June

Similar to MiFID, MiCA will bring cryptocurrency services to the EU under one regulatory umbrella. The regulation will impact the distribution of the cryptocurrencies in the bloc, meaning both retail and institutional players will be affected in some way or another.

With the EU parliament’s approval in 2023, MiCA is set to be implemented in two phases: the rules around stablecoins to come into effect on 30 June 2024 and then the wider compliance on exchanges and wallets to be effective from 30 December 2024.

Under MiCA, fiat-backed stablecoins in the bloc would be categorised as ‘e-money tokens’, whereas other asset-backed tokens would be ‘asset-referenced tokens’. In both cases, the stablecoin issuers must maintain a 1:1 reserve. It will also bring algorithmic stablecoins under the purview, mandating them to maintain value.

The regulations would also restrict the daily transaction limit with non-euro pegged stablecoins to merely $1 million.

“As the world’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchange, we have consistently advocated for a proportionate response to regulation which protects consumers while allowing for the ongoing maturation of cryptocurrencies as an asset class,” said James Sullivan, UK Managing Director at Bitstamp. “We are communicating directly with the small proportion of our customers whose asset mixes are affected.”

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Exchanges Are Preparing for Months

A few crypto exchanges were already taking steps to comply with MiCA earlier this year. In March, OKX confirmed its delisting of USDT pairs in the EEA, without mentioning MiCA. “Please note that not all tokens are available in all markets due to regulatory requirements,” an email sent by the exchange to its European customers noted.

Interestingly, Kraken also reviewed the USDT pairs it offered in the EU and considered removing them to comply with MiCA, according to a Bloomberg report in March. However, following the report, Kraken’s Global Head of Asset Growth and Management, Mark Greenberg, clarified that the exchange “continues to list USDT in Europe and we have no plans to delist at this time.”

“We know our European clients value access to USDT and we continue to look at all options to offer USDT under the upcoming regime,” he added. “We will of course follow all legal requirements, even those we disagree with. But the rules are not finalised yet and we continue to do everything we can to continue to offer all relevant stablecoins to our European customers.”

Until now, Kraken did not announce anything officially on delisting any stablecoin pairs to comply with MiCA.

Interestingly, a recent report revealed that only 9 percent of the cryptocurrency firms, out of 68 surveyed, are fully compliant with MiCA requirements, whereas another 25 percent are yet to commence preparations.

The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) will come into effect on 30 June, which is only three days away. As such, many crypto exchanges offering services in the bloc are already taking measures, mostly by dropping stablecoin offerings.

“This will be a first step entering the new regulatory framework, and it will have a significant impact on the stablecoin market in the European Economic Area (EEA),” Binance, the largest crypto exchange in terms of trading volume, stated.

Advertisement

Crypto Exchanges Dropped Stablecoins

At least four cryptocurrency exchanges have confirmed that they are restricting some stablecoin access to users within the EEA. Bitstamp was the latest to confirm on Wednesday that it would delist the euro-denominated stablecoin, EURT, before the 30 June deadline.

EURT is a EUR-pegged stablecoin issued by Tether, the company behind the largest circulated stablecoin, USDT, with a market capitalisation of more than $112.7 billion. Interestingly, Bitstamp became one of the first crypto exchanges to list EURT in November 2021.

“Electronic Money Tokens (EMTs) which are not Euro-denominated and are already available on the exchange but not within MiCA regulation, will not be delisted, although their availability to European customers will be limited on certain products,” Bitstamp wrote in its announcement.

“Bitstamp will not list any new EMTs that don’t meet MiCA requirements, nor will it engage in any marketing of them.”

Another major name to take action ahead of MiCA is Binance. As Finance Magnates reported earlier, the crypto exchange already blocked access to some services, including copy trading. It will also bring further restrictions, including restricting the purchase of unauthorised stablecoins and limiting new borrowings and transfers of unauthorised stablecoins in margin trading.

Advertisement

Uphold, another crypto exchange with ties to Ripple, also confirmed the delisting of six stablecoins, including the popular USDT, for European users. However, it will continue to support USDC, EURC, and PYUSD.

Comply with MiCA from 30 June

Similar to MiFID, MiCA will bring cryptocurrency services to the EU under one regulatory umbrella. The regulation will impact the distribution of the cryptocurrencies in the bloc, meaning both retail and institutional players will be affected in some way or another.

With the EU parliament’s approval in 2023, MiCA is set to be implemented in two phases: the rules around stablecoins to come into effect on 30 June 2024 and then the wider compliance on exchanges and wallets to be effective from 30 December 2024.

Advertisement

Under MiCA, fiat-backed stablecoins in the bloc would be categorised as ‘e-money tokens’, whereas other asset-backed tokens would be ‘asset-referenced tokens’. In both cases, the stablecoin issuers must maintain a 1:1 reserve. It will also bring algorithmic stablecoins under the purview, mandating them to maintain value.

The regulations would also restrict the daily transaction limit with non-euro pegged stablecoins to merely $1 million.

“As the world’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchange, we have consistently advocated for a proportionate response to regulation which protects consumers while allowing for the ongoing maturation of cryptocurrencies as an asset class,” said James Sullivan, UK Managing Director at Bitstamp. “We are communicating directly with the small proportion of our customers whose asset mixes are affected.”

Exchanges Are Preparing for Months

A few crypto exchanges were already taking steps to comply with MiCA earlier this year. In March, OKX confirmed its delisting of USDT pairs in the EEA, without mentioning MiCA. “Please note that not all tokens are available in all markets due to regulatory requirements,” an email sent by the exchange to its European customers noted.

Interestingly, Kraken also reviewed the USDT pairs it offered in the EU and considered removing them to comply with MiCA, according to a Bloomberg report in March. However, following the report, Kraken’s Global Head of Asset Growth and Management, Mark Greenberg, clarified that the exchange “continues to list USDT in Europe and we have no plans to delist at this time.”

Advertisement

“We know our European clients value access to USDT and we continue to look at all options to offer USDT under the upcoming regime,” he added. “We will of course follow all legal requirements, even those we disagree with. But the rules are not finalised yet and we continue to do everything we can to continue to offer all relevant stablecoins to our European customers.”

Until now, Kraken did not announce anything officially on delisting any stablecoin pairs to comply with MiCA.

Advertisement

Interestingly, a recent report revealed that only 9 percent of the cryptocurrency firms, out of 68 surveyed, are fully compliant with MiCA requirements, whereas another 25 percent are yet to commence preparations.

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Bitcoin May Face Another Correction, Dropping To $55,000, Predicts Crypto Analyst

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Bitcoin May Face Another Correction, Dropping To $55,000, Predicts Crypto Analyst

Rekt Capital, a well-known crypto strategist, has issued a warning about a potential further correction for Bitcoin BTC/USD, suggesting a possible drop to $55,000.

What Happened: The analyst, who has previously accurately predicted Bitcoin’s pre-halving pullback, recently stated that the cryptocurrency could correct to much lower levels.

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In a YouTube video over the weekend, Rekt Capital speculated, “What if we were going see a deepest correction in the cycle, or at least equal to the deepest correction in the cycle of 23.8%? That would see us go to $55,000.”

However, he also suggested that a deeper drawdown is unlikely at this point in the cycle, and that Bitcoin has either already hit a local bottom or is experiencing a more shallow pullback.

Also Read: Anthony Scaramucci Says Crypto Will Soar If This Presidential Candidate Wins The Election: ‘I Think We’ll See All-Time Highs For Bitcoin And Other Assets’

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“Is that a possibility that we see the deepest correction not too long after already seeing the deepest correction this cycle just after the halving? That was around late April, early May. We saw a record-breaking deep correction in this cycle. We eclipsed the early 2023 pullback, and it took a year and a half for that new record to come in,” the analyst said.

“So to now talk about another record and another deep retrace occurring only a month-and-a-half later, I think that’s a little bit too farfetched. I don’t think we’re going to eclipse that retrace depth for the deepest retrace in this cycle. I think it would be either this being the bottom already or a slight additional pullback,” he added.

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At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading for $61,376.35, down by almost 5% in the last seven days. .

Why It Matters: This prediction comes in contrast to the recent forecast by former Goldman Sachs executive Raoul Pal. Pal anticipated a significant surge in Bitcoin and the overall crypto market in the fourth quarter of the presidential election year.

He stated that risk assets like Bitcoin typically experience rallies during Q4 of an election year, referring to this period as the “banana zone.” These contrasting views highlight the volatility and unpredictability of the cryptocurrency market.

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Now Read: Analyst Predicts Bitcoin To Reach Groundbreaking $100,000 Milestone

Photo: Shutterstock

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Nigeria's Cryptocurrency Market Surpasses $400 Million, SEC Director General

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Nigeria's Cryptocurrency Market Surpasses $400 Million, SEC Director General

Emomotimi Agama, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria, has revealed that the country’s cryptocurrency market has exceeded $400 million in value. This significant achievement highlights the rapid expansion and growing adoption of digital currencies in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.

During a recent fintech conference in Abuja, Agama emphasized the increasing interest in cryptocurrencies among Nigerians, especially the youth. “Nigeria’s cryptocurrency market has experienced remarkable growth, now valued at over $400 million. This surge is a testament to the enthusiasm of our young population and their growing trust in digital financial systems,” Agama remarked.

Agama attributed this market growth to several key factors, including widespread mobile technology use, high internet penetration, and the entrepreneurial spirit among Nigerians. He noted that many are turning to cryptocurrencies for financial inclusion and as a way to navigate traditional banking challenges.

Despite celebrating this growth, Agama stressed the need for regulation to ensure market stability and security. “As we witness this impressive market expansion, it is essential to establish a robust regulatory framework that protects investors and maintains market integrity. The SEC is committed to developing policies that

The Nigerian cryptocurrency community has responded positively to the SEC’s commitment to regulation, recognizing the need for clear guidelines to prevent fraud and enhance market integrity. Major exchanges operating in Nigeria, such as Binance, Luno, BuyCoins, and Quidax, have been collaborating with regulators and implementing best practices to ensure compliance and protect users.

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As the SEC continues to develop and refine its regulatory approach, stakeholders in the crypto industry are hopeful that the resulting framework will support the sector’s growth while safeguarding investor interests. The coming months are expected to be pivotal as regulators and industry players work together to shape the future of Nigeria’s burgeoning cryptocurrency market.

With the market’s value now exceeding $400 million, Nigeria stands at the forefront of cryptocurrency adoption in Africa, poised to leverage digital innovation for economic advancement and financial inclusion.

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What Cryptocurrency Should I Invest In? A Guide to Maximizing Returns with CryptoHeap | Bitcoinist.com

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What Cryptocurrency Should I Invest In? A Guide to Maximizing Returns with CryptoHeap | Bitcoinist.com

Cryptos are getting more popular as people want to diversify and get more returns. With thousands of them out there it’s tough to know where to begin. Virtual currency has grown so much it’s a no-brainer for those who want to diversify and earn passive income.

In this article we’ll look at the top ones to invest in and how you can use CryptoHeap.com’s staking plans to get more digital currencies.

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a virtual or digital currency that uses cryptography. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (like dollars or euros), cryptocurrencies are decentralized and run on a technology called blockchain.

Decentralized means no one controls it. Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoins. All transactions are secure, transparent, and irreversible. Digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum are changing the face of financial products and investments.

Top Cryptocurrencies to Consider for Investing

Since there are many cryptocurrencies available, choosing the right one for investing might be difficult to determine. Here are some leading staking plans in the crypto market available on CryptoHeap you to stake crypto assets:

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Bitcoin (BTC)

  • Why invest?: Bitcoin is the first and most popular cryptocurrency. It’s a safe haven in crypto due to its age and liquidity.
  • Staking Plan: $30,000 for 30 days and earn $480 daily.

Ethereum (ETH)

  • Why invest?: Ethereum is the go-to platform for dApps and smart contracts. Ethereum 2.0 is coming and will increase scalability and staking rewards.
  • Staking Plan: $8000 for 16 days and earn $104 daily.

Solana (SOL)

  • Why invest?: Solana is known for high throughput and low fees, it’s a popular choice for dApps and DeFi projects.
  • Staking Plan: $15,000 for 25 days and earn $210 daily.

Cardano (ADA)

  • Why invest?: Cardano is known for its scientific approach to blockchain and a strong focus on security and sustainability.
  • Staking Plan: $5000 for 12 days and earn $60 daily.

Polygon (MATIC)

  • Why invest?: Polygon is a Layer 2 for Ethereum, faster and cheaper transactions. Fully interoperable with other chains.
  • Staking Plan: $1500 for 8 days and earn $16.5 daily.

Tron (TRX)

  • Why invest?: Tron is building a decentralized internet and has a strong presence in entertainment and content sharing.
  • Staking Plan: $10,000 for 20 days and earn $130 daily.

Chainlink (LINK)

  • Why invest?: Chainlink is a decentralized Oracle network that allows smart contracts to talk to real-world data. It’s used by many DeFi apps.
  • Staking Plan: $50,000 for 40 days and earn $950 daily.

Many more staking plans are available for you to make a good investment in the cryptocurrency market to gain rewards!

How to Get Started:

CryptoHeap has many staking plans to help you earn and grow your crypto. Here’s how to get started:

1. Get Register: Sign up on CryptoHeap.com and confirm your account.
2. Deposit Your Crypto: Move your chosen crypto to your CryptoHeap wallet.
3. Staking Plans: Go to staking and see the staking plans for each crypto.
4. Choose a Plan: Decide a plan that fits your investment goals and risk by comparing cryptocurrency prices. Follow investment advice available on the platform.
5. Earn: Look over your rewards on the CryptoHeap dashboard and pay attention to your investment grow.

Why Choose CryptoHeap?

By staking on CryptoHeap you get many benefits. Staking is a way to earn a passive income without having to trade actively. Your staking helps to secure the blockchain and the overall health of the network. Plus with some of the highest annual percentage yields (APYs) in the market, CryptoHeap.com’s staking plans will boost your earnings.

The platform also has full support and resources so you have all the information and help you need to make informed decisions and get maximum returns.

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Bitcoin rewards are one of the many benefits of investing in cryptocurrency. By staking Bitcoin and other digital assets on CryptoHeap.com, you can earn consistent returns and participate in the growth of blockchain networks.

Speculative investments always carry some level of risk, the potential for high rewards makes cryptocurrencies an attractive option for many investors.

Conclusion:

Investing in cryptocurrency can be fun and hard with so many choices. But making informed decisions on what to buy and how to stake for maximum returns is super cool.

CryptoHeap.com is for newbies and seasoned investors to grow their digital wealth. Easy to use, competitive staking plans and secure CryptoHeap is where you can stake any cryptocurrency and earn.

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Invest in the right cryptos and stake for maximum growth. Whether you like the established dominance of Bitcoin, the innovation of Ethereum and Cardano or the growth of Polygon, Tron, and Chainlink CryptoHeap.com has staking plans for you.

Go to CryptoHeap.com today and find out which cryptos to invest in for a fun and secure investment in the cryptocurrency market.

For more information about how to get started with CryptoHeap and make the most of the crypto summer, visit CryptoHeap.com now!

Disclaimer: This is a paid release. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily represent those of Bitcoinist. Bitcoinist does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of information available in such content. Do your research and invest at your own risk.

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