MiCA Regulation: Coinbase Delists USDT in Europe, Binance and Crypto.com Keep Support

The European Union is on the brink of a historic change with the imminent entry into force of the MiCA regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets)

The European Union is set to witness a historic transformation with the imminent entry into force of the MiCA regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets), a pivotal legislation aimed at regulating cryptocurrencies and enhancing market transparency. Among its wide-ranging implications, the fate of the USDT stablecoin, issued by Tether, poses a particularly pressing question. This token, which serves as a linchpin in crypto transactions around the world, could face a ban or restrictions in Europe if authorities deem it does not meet MiCA’s requirements. However, as the December 30, 2024 deadline approaches, no clear directive has been officially communicated. This situation has prompted varied responses among major exchange platforms.

Coinbase takes the lead in the face of regulatory uncertainty

In early December 2024, the American exchange Coinbase made a decision that quickly stirred the crypto ecosystem. In a notable announcement, the platform confirmed the removal of USDT from its services in Europe, citing compliance requirements related to the MiCA regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets). This measure was described as “precautionary” by Juan Ignacio Ibañez, a member of the technical committee of the MiCA alliance, who stated: “No regulator has explicitly stated that USDT is non-compliant, but that does not mean it is compliant.” Such a comment published on the social network X (formerly Twitter) on December 27 illustrates the gray areas that persist around the interpretation of the new standards.

Despite this cautious stance, other major exchange platforms, such as Binance and Crypto.com, have chosen to keep USDT available on their European markets. This strategic divergence reflects a lack of consensus among key industry players. Moreover, some believe that the MiCA regulation still allows time to clarify the rules, while others, like Coinbase, prefer to anticipate and minimize the risks of non-compliance. This debate sheds light on a broader reality. The absence of clear directives from European regulators leaves an uncertainty that could ultimately hinder the smooth adoption of the new rules.

MiCA, a transitional phase with multiple implications

The MiCA regulation, although legally applicable from December 30, 2024, includes a transition period designed to facilitate its adoption. This mechanism, known as the “grandfathering” clause, allows crypto service providers to continue their activities under existing national regulations, even without formal authorization under MiCA. However, this transitional period is not applied uniformly. It varies by country. For instance, it extends up to 18 months in France but is limited to only 6 months in other states, such as the Netherlands. This disparity reflects the divergent approaches of the EU members regarding crypto regulation.

The consequences of this transition are significant. On one hand, it offers welcome flexibility to market players, allowing them to gradually adapt to new requirements. On the other hand, this temporary coexistence of regimes creates uneven levels of protection for users, making the ecosystem more complex to navigate. Regarding stablecoins like USDT, the lack of a clear position from European regulators maintains a climate of uncertainty. This situation could erode investor confidence but also slow down innovation in a sector already marked by rapid evolution. Juan Ignacio Ibañez, member of the technical committee of the MiCA alliance, warns: “Waiting without acting in the face of MiCA requirements could prove risky in the long term for platforms.” This message underscores the urgency for market players to take proactive measures, even in a still unclear framework.

In this context, the future of USDT in Europe appears uncertain. While some players hope for further clarifications from regulators, others fear that this transitional period will only serve to delay an inevitable wave of delistings. Moreover, the success of this transition will largely depend on the ability of member states and European institutions to provide clear and cohesive guidance.

The regulatory uncertainty surrounding USDT further highlights the capital challenge faced by the European Union: finding a proper balance between promoting technological innovation and imposing strict regulation. Although the MiCA regulation promises to enhance user security and strengthen the stability of crypto markets, its gradual implementation raises questions about the ability of businesses and investors to adapt. In this regard, the fate of this stablecoin could become a key indicator for assessing the success of this regulatory transition and the credibility of European efforts to regulate a constantly evolving sector.