# MiCA Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "MiCA", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

Spain’s 2026 Crypto Laws: MiCA Licensing, DAC8 Tracking – End of Anon Trading?

Spain will implement two major crypto regulations in 2026, significantly tightening oversight and ending anonymous trading. Starting January 1, the DAC8 directive enforces strict tax reporting, requiring exchanges to automatically share user data with EU tax authorities—covering transactions, balances, and transfers, regardless of amount. This allows seizure of crypto for unpaid taxes. Then, by July, the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation takes full effect, requiring exchanges and service providers to be licensed. Non-compliant firms may shut down. Over 60 Spanish entities, including banks like BBVA, are already registered under current rules. These changes aim to standardize crypto regulation across the EU and increase transparency.

ccn.com12/24 08:31

Spain’s 2026 Crypto Laws: MiCA Licensing, DAC8 Tracking – End of Anon Trading?

ccn.com12/24 08:31

OKX reports trading increase after expansion into US, EU

Cryptocurrency exchange OKX reported a 53-fold increase in trading volume within its licensed and regulated markets in 2025, driven by its expansion into the United States and the European Economic Area. The exchange cited internal data showing daily active wallets doubled, with approximately 190,000 new wallets created daily. Global decentralized exchange volume surged 262%, while centralized trading rose 16%. The growth is attributed to OKX's licensed operating approach, including a MiCA license in the EU and entry into the U.S. market alongside regulatory developments like the GENIUS Act. OKX ranks as the fourth-largest global crypto exchange per CoinMarketCap. Additionally, major exchanges like Bybit, Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini secured European licensing under MiCA. The U.S. stablecoin market, bolstered by the GENIUS Act, now exceeds $310 billion, dominated by USDT and USDC.

cointelegraph12/23 12:01

OKX reports trading increase after expansion into US, EU

cointelegraph12/23 12:01

UK crypto regulation is coming: What the FCA’s new consultation means

The UK is advancing comprehensive crypto regulation, with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launching a consultation proposing rules for exchanges, staking, lending, and DeFi. This follows Treasury legislation bringing crypto under financial services oversight, targeting implementation by October 2027. The proposals, spanning around 700 pages, aim to replace fragmented oversight with a unified market structure. Industry leaders, like Kraken’s Perry Scott, welcome the global liquidity approach and bespoke staking rules, calling them "world leading." The consultation closes on February 12, with firms already preparing for compliance, job creation, and the UK's potential as a competitive crypto hub amid global regulatory developments.

cointelegraph12/19 18:32

UK crypto regulation is coming: What the FCA’s new consultation means

cointelegraph12/19 18:32

Polish parliament approves revived crypto bill, heads to Senate

Poland's lower house of parliament (Sejm) has again passed a crypto bill, sending it to the Senate for review. The bill, which aligns with the EU's MiCA framework, was previously vetoed by President Karol Nawrocki over concerns it threatened freedoms, property rights, and state stability. Despite no changes, a government spokesperson suggests it is now likely to be signed into law after a classified security briefing provided the president with "full knowledge" of its national security implications. Nawrocki had earlier campaigned against "oppressive" crypto laws, advocating for innovation over regulation.

cointelegraph12/19 17:33

Polish parliament approves revived crypto bill, heads to Senate

cointelegraph12/19 17:33

After the Breakthrough Year of 2025, Is a $10 Trillion Crypto Market No Longer a Pipe Dream?

The year 2025 has been a landmark period for the cryptocurrency industry, marked by a global breakthrough in regulatory compliance. Key developments include the U.S. shifting from restrictive policies under the Trump administration—such as establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve and passing the GENIUS Stablecoin Act—to creating a clear federal regulatory framework. The EU further implemented its MiCA regulation, enabling licensed crypto firms to operate across all member states, while Hong Kong introduced its own stablecoin ordinance, accelerating Asia’s compliance efforts. This regulatory clarity has encouraged institutional participation, with corporate crypto allocations reaching $120 billion in the first three quarters of 2025—a 450% increase from 2024. The approval of numerous crypto ETFs, including BlackRock’s $70 billion Bitcoin ETF, provided new avenues for mainstream investment. Major companies like Walmart and Amazon began exploring stablecoins for cross-border settlements, reducing costs by up to 60%. Industry leaders such as Coinbase, OKX, and Binance expanded their global compliance efforts, acquiring licenses in multiple jurisdictions and adapting to new regulations. Investment firms like a16z and Fidelity also played roles in shaping policies and promoting institutional adoption. With a mature regulatory foundation now in place, the crypto market is transitioning from speculative trading to real-world utility. The path toward a $10 trillion market cap appears increasingly achievable as compliance drives broader adoption, stability, and integration with the traditional financial system.

marsbit12/19 13:06

After the Breakthrough Year of 2025, Is a $10 Trillion Crypto Market No Longer a Pipe Dream?

marsbit12/19 13:06

Tether CEO says AI bubble is Bitcoin’s biggest risk in 2026

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino warns that the biggest risk to Bitcoin in 2026 could be a potential AI bubble. He expressed concern that Bitcoin remains too correlated with traditional capital markets, making it vulnerable if the current AI investment boom leads to a stock market downturn. Ardoino believes that excessive spending on AI infrastructure and data centers could create a market bubble. If sentiment shifts in 2026, the resulting turmoil could negatively impact Bitcoin's price. However, he also noted that increased adoption by pension funds and governments may prevent the sharp 80% corrections seen in previous cycles. While bullish on Bitcoin and real-world asset tokenization, Ardoino is pessimistic about crypto innovation in Europe, criticizing its regulatory approach, and is skeptical of companies that function solely as digital asset treasuries without strong operational businesses.

cointelegraph12/18 15:02

Tether CEO says AI bubble is Bitcoin’s biggest risk in 2026

cointelegraph12/18 15:02

Poland's Crypto Regulatory Bill 'Stalled', Pro-Crypto President and Strong-Regulation Prime Minister Engaged in Fierce 'Internal Struggle'

Poland is embroiled in a political standoff over its cryptocurrency regulatory bill, pitting pro-crypto President Karol Duda against Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-regulation government. The bill, intended to align with the EU's MiCA framework, mandates strict oversight by Poland's Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), requiring crypto service providers to register, comply with anti-money laundering rules, and adhere to consumer protection measures. It also introduces criminal liability for unlicensed activities. President Duda vetoed the bill, arguing it threatens economic freedom, stifles innovation with high compliance costs, and grants excessive powers to regulators. The ruling coalition, led by Tusk, resubmitted the identical bill unchanged, framing it as a national security necessity to counter Russian influence and illicit financial activities. The deadlock highlights deeper ideological divides: Duda's camp prioritizes market freedom and competitiveness, while Tusk's government emphasizes regulatory rigor and EU integration. The impasse leaves Poland as one of the few EU members yet to fully implement MiCA, with ongoing political negotiations determining the bill's fate.

marsbit12/16 08:03

Poland's Crypto Regulatory Bill 'Stalled', Pro-Crypto President and Strong-Regulation Prime Minister Engaged in Fierce 'Internal Struggle'

marsbit12/16 08:03

UK To Bring Crypto Under Financial Services Laws By 2027

The UK Treasury plans to extend existing financial services laws to regulate cryptoasset firms, including exchanges and wallet providers, by October 2027. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will supervise the sector, requiring companies to meet standards on reporting, governance, and consumer protection similar to traditional finance. The move is intended to provide regulatory clarity, combat fraud, and enhance market integrity. A draft bill has been prepared, with FCA and Bank of England rules expected by late 2026. The UK’s approach aligns more closely with the US than the EU’s MiCA framework, though industry responses remain mixed regarding implementation details.

bitcoinist12/16 07:17

UK To Bring Crypto Under Financial Services Laws By 2027

bitcoinist12/16 07:17

From 'Safe Harbor' to 'Compliant Innovation': An Analysis of the Impact of the SEC's Innovation Exemption Policy

From "Safe Harbor" to "Compliant Innovation": An Analysis of the SEC's Innovation Exemption Policy The U.S. SEC, under Chairman Paul Atkins, introduced the "Innovation Exemption" policy in July 2025, marking a historic shift from an "enforcement-as-regulation" approach to a proactive framework. This temporary exemption, set to take effect in January 2026, provides a 12–24 month grace period for crypto projects (exchanges, DeFi protocols, stablecoin issuers, DAOs) to operate with simplified disclosures instead of full SEC registration, reducing initial compliance burdens. The exemption is principle-based, requiring basic investor protections like periodic reporting, risk disclosures, investment limits, and adherence to technical standards such as ERC-3643 for identity verification. It operates alongside congressional efforts like the CLARITY Act (clarifying SEC/CFTC jurisdiction) and the enacted GENIUS Act (regulating stablecoins under banking rules). Reactions are polarized: startups and institutions welcome the lower entry costs and regulatory clarity, which attract capital and foster innovation. However, the DeFi community warns that mandatory KYC/AML and transfer restrictions risk "traditionalizing" decentralized protocols. Traditional financial institutions oppose it, fearing regulatory arbitrage. Globally, this flexible U.S. model contrasts with the EU’s pre-authorization MiCA regime, forcing companies into dual compliance strategies. The exemption positions the U.S. as a competitive "global crypto capital hub," but international coordination remains crucial for long-term stability. Ultimately, "compliant innovation" becomes the new core competency, requiring projects to balance agility with a clear path to verifiable decentralization.

marsbit12/15 23:06

From 'Safe Harbor' to 'Compliant Innovation': An Analysis of the Impact of the SEC's Innovation Exemption Policy

marsbit12/15 23:06

Japan Launches Historic Crypto Regulatory Overhaul: Crypto Assets to Be Formally Included in Securities Law, Fully Departing from the 'Payment Tool Era'

Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) is advancing a historic regulatory reform to shift cryptocurrency regulation from the Payment Services Act (PSA) to the stricter Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA). This reclassification officially recognizes crypto assets as investment products, similar to stocks and bonds, and subjects them to securities-level investor protection and disclosure standards. The reform, based on a finalized report from an expert panel, aims to enhance investor safeguards, combat fraud, and align with international frameworks like the EU's MiCA. Key measures include stricter disclosure requirements for Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs), stronger enforcement against unregistered platforms—including overseas and decentralized exchanges—and a ban on insider trading and market manipulation. Additionally, Japan is considering reducing the crypto tax rate from up to 55% (miscellaneous income) to 20% (capital gains), matching stock taxation, to encourage institutional and retail investment. The changes are expected to be enacted by 2026.

marsbit12/10 15:49

Japan Launches Historic Crypto Regulatory Overhaul: Crypto Assets to Be Formally Included in Securities Law, Fully Departing from the 'Payment Tool Era'