Coinbase, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced its decision to de-list unauthorized stablecoins across the European Union by December 30, 2024. This move is in response to the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations, which mandate that stablecoin issuers must hold an e-money license in at least one of the 27 EU member states to continue their operations within the region.
In a statement to CoinDesk, Coinbase emphasized its commitment to regulatory compliance and outlined its plans to restrict access to stablecoins that do not meet MiCA's criteria for users within the European Economic Area (EEA) by the end of the year. The exchange has also confirmed that affected users will have the option to switch to authorized stablecoins, including Circle’s USDC and EURC, which are fully compliant with MiCA requirements.
The MiCA regulations for stablecoins came into effect on June 30, 2024, compelling companies to secure the necessary licenses to provide services in the EU. Circle, the second-largest stablecoin issuer, was the first to obtain an Electronic Money Institution license in July. Meanwhile, Tether, the largest global stablecoin issuer, has not yet secured a license. Tether has acknowledged the EU's regulatory efforts but highlighted that the MiCA framework introduces operational complexities for stablecoins, which may affect both local banking infrastructure and stablecoin functionality.
To tackle these challenges, Tether announced plans to develop a technology-driven solution specifically designed for the European market. While the details of this solution remain under wraps, it aims to streamline stablecoin operations in compliance with the new regulatory landscape.
Coinbase is set to provide further details regarding its de-listing plans in November, keeping users informed as the regulatory landscape evolves.
October 2024, Cryptoniteuae