Europe | Crypto

Europe plans to regulate decentralized finance in 2026, as lawmakers still struggle to define decentralization under MiCA, an EU crypto policy expert said. European lawmakers have yet to define “decentralization,” even as regulators begin preparing for decentralized finance (DeFi) to become a key focus of crypto policy in 2026. The world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for the crypto industry, the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), went into effect on Dec. 30, 2024. Among its aims are to boost investor protection, prevent fraud and address stablecoin reserve management. Still, as MiCA enters its final implementation phase, policymakers are shifting their attention to regulating DeFi, where many questions remain unresolved, according to Vyara Savova, senior policy lead at the European Crypto Initiative (EUCI). Read more

Kraken has launched MiFID II-regulated crypto derivatives trading for retail and institutional users in Europe following its acquisition of a licensed Cypriot investment firm. Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken announced the launch of regulated derivatives trading on its platform under the European Union’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II). According to a May 20 announcement, Kraken’s perpetual and fixed maturity crypto futures contracts will be available for trading by retail and institutional customers in the European Economic Area (EEA). The announcement follows the exchange acquiring an MiFID license in early February through the acquisition of a Cypriot investment firm, approved by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. Kraken’s head of exchange, Shannon Kurtas, said, “Europe is one of the fastest-growing regions for digital asset trading and investment, with some of the most sophisticated and demanding clients and institutions.” Read more

With Tether stepping back and BitGo stepping up, MiCA’s rollout is already redrawing crypto’s playing field in Europe. Here’s what’s happening, and what comes next. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation — better known as MiCA — is now in its critical implementation phase. Designed to unify crypto regulation across all 27 EU member states, MiCA promises clarity, consumer protection and long-term market stability. But as implementation begins, cracks are already showing. In this week’s episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we explore the key provisions of MiCA now in force, particularly around stablecoins, and why some of the largest players in the market are refusing to comply. As of January 2025, crypto asset service providers (CASPs) began acquiring licenses to operate legally within the EU. A transitional or “grandfathering” period allows existing firms up to 18 months, depending on the member state, to comply. Still, with deadlines approaching, firms are being forced to act quickly. Read more

Gemini’s new derivatives offering in Europe will include perpetual futures and other derivatives, which will be available to advanced exchange users. Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has received regulatory approval to expand crypto derivatives trading across Europe. Gemini secured a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), allowing the exchange to offer crypto derivatives in the European Union, it announced on May 9. “Once we commence business activities, we will be able to offer regulated derivatives throughout the EU and EEA [European Economic Area] under MiFID II,” said Gemini’s head of Europe, Mark Jennings. Read more

Robinhood is reportedly working on blockchain infrastructure that will enable European retail investors to trade US securities, Bloomberg News reported on May 7. According to the report, the brokerage platform is exploring a partnership with a digital asset firm to support the initiative and is considering Arbitrum and Solana as potential blockchain layers. People with […] The post Robinhood reportedly considering Solana, Arbitrum for new blockchain securities platform in Europe appeared first on CryptoSlate.

The company has obtained a brokerage license in Lithuania as part of its planned expansion into the European market. Brokerage fintech Robinhood is reportedly developing a blockchain network that will enable retail investors in Europe to trade US securities. According to a May 7 Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter, the move seeks to expand the company's local presence by offering trading of tokenized securities, such as stocks. Two crypto firms, Arbitrum and the Solana Foundation, are reportedly vying to become partners in the project. Tokenization is the process of turning real-world assets, like stocks, real estate, or commodities, into digital tokens that can be traded on a blockchain. Read more