MiCA
The European Union's comprehensive crypto regulation — one of the world's first full frameworks for the industry.
MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is the European Union’s landmark regulation providing a comprehensive, harmonized legal framework for crypto across all member states. Phased in through 2024–2025, it covers stablecoin issuers, exchanges and other service providers, setting rules for licensing, reserves, consumer protection, and market-abuse prevention.
MiCA’s significance is being first-mover comprehensive regulation for a major economic bloc — it gave crypto businesses regulatory clarity (a single license usable across the EU) while imposing real compliance burdens, notably strict rules on stablecoins that pressured some issuers. Alongside the US GENIUS Act, MiCA marks the era of crypto’s mainstream regulatory integration, and its approach influences frameworks being drafted worldwide.