What is MiCA?

MiCA: The European law for crypto providers. It sets requirements for companies offering crypto but does not make crypto itself safe or risk free.

MiCA stands for Markets in Crypto-Assets. It is a European law with rules for companies that offer, hold or issue crypto. It has fully applied since 30 December 2024.

Providers need a licence and must meet requirements, for example on keeping client money separate and giving clear information. Issuers of stablecoins face extra rules about their backing.

The law applies across the whole European Union, including the Netherlands and Belgium. A licence in one country gives access to the other EU countries.

Example
You buy 500 euros of bitcoin from a provider with a MiCA licence. The provider has to follow the rules. But if bitcoin falls 50 percent, your bitcoin is still worth only 250 euros. The law does not change that.

Watch out
MiCA regulates providers, not prices. Crypto remains risky and is not covered by the deposit guarantee scheme.

Read more in the guide MiCA in plain language: what changes for crypto in Europe.

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