Compliance
MiCA

MiCA — Crypto-Asset Regulation in the EU

Complete guide to the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation — stablecoins, CASPs, token issuance, and market integrity.

What is MiCA?

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 is the EU's comprehensive framework for regulating crypto-assets not covered by existing financial services legislation. It covers asset-referenced tokens (stablecoins), e-money tokens, and other crypto-assets (utility tokens). It establishes authorisation and conduct requirements for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). It entered into force in June 2023, with stablecoin provisions applying from June 2024 and full application from December 2024.

Who It Applies To

Issuers of crypto-assets (stablecoins, utility tokens) and crypto-asset service providers (custody, exchange, trading platforms, portfolio management, advisory) operating in the EU or providing services to EU clients. Excludes truly unique NFTs, fully decentralised DeFi protocols, and crypto-assets already regulated under MiFID II.

Key Articles & Obligations

Article 1

Article 3

Article 4

Article 6

Article 16

Article 48

Article 59

Article 67

Article 86

Article 92

Key Deadlines

Entered into force

29 Jun 2023

MiCA became EU law.

Stablecoin provisions

30 Jun 2024

Rules for asset-referenced and e-money tokens became applicable.

Full application

30 Dec 2024

All MiCA provisions, including CASP authorisation, fully applicable.

Fines & Enforcement

Up to €5M or 12.5% of annual turnover for CASPs. Member States determine detailed penalty frameworks.

Crypto-Asset Categories

MiCA distinguishes between three categories of crypto-assets, each with different regulatory requirements.

  • Asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) — stablecoins referencing a basket of currencies or commodities, not pegged to a single fiat currency
  • E-money tokens (EMTs) — tokens referencing a single official currency, functionally equivalent to electronic money
  • Other crypto-assets — utility tokens and other crypto-assets not classified as ARTs, EMTs, or financial instruments under MiFID II

CASP Authorisation and Conduct

Crypto-asset service providers must obtain authorisation and comply with conduct-of-business rules.

  • CASPs must be authorised by their national competent authority
  • Services covered: custody, exchange, trading platforms, portfolio management, transfer, advisory, order execution
  • Must comply with conduct of business rules including fair treatment of clients and conflict of interest management
  • Must implement AML/CFT measures in line with the EU Anti-Money Laundering framework
  • Authorised CASPs can passport their services across all EU Member States

How Law4Devs Helps with MiCA Compliance

Law4Devs provides the full MiCA regulation as structured JSON. Filter by crypto-asset type, entity type, or obligation category. Cross-reference with DORA and PSD2.

Related Regulations

Query MiCA via API

GET /v1/frameworks/mica/articles
200 OK · structured JSON · official EUR-Lex source

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MiCA?

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 is the EU's comprehensive framework for regulating crypto-assets not covered by existing financial services legislation. It covers three categories: asset-referenced tokens (ARTs, commonly called stablecoins), e-money tokens (EMTs), and other crypto-assets (including utility tokens). MiCA also establishes authorisation and conduct requirements for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). It entered into force in June 2023, with provisions applying in stages from June 2024 (stablecoins) and December 2024 (full application).

Who does MiCA apply to?

MiCA applies to issuers of crypto-assets (including stablecoins and utility tokens) and crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) offering services such as custody, exchange, trading platforms, portfolio management, transfer, advisory, and order execution for crypto-assets. It applies to entities operating in the EU or providing services to EU clients. Notably, MiCA excludes NFTs that are truly unique, DeFi protocols that are fully decentralised, and crypto-assets already regulated as financial instruments under MiFID II.

What are the key obligations and fines?

Issuers must publish a white paper, maintain reserves (for ARTs/EMTs), and comply with governance requirements. EMT issuers must be authorised as credit institutions or electronic money institutions. ARTs with significant market impact face stricter prudential requirements. CASPs must obtain authorisation from their national competent authority and comply with conduct of business rules, AML/CFT requirements, and market abuse prohibitions. Fines for CASPs can reach up to EUR 5 million or 12.5% of annual turnover.

How does Law4Devs help with MiCA?

Law4Devs provides the full MiCA regulation as structured JSON via API. Filter by crypto-asset type (ART, EMT, utility token), entity type (issuer, CASP), or obligation category. Access specific provisions on white paper requirements, reserve rules, authorisation procedures, and market abuse prohibitions. Cross-reference with DORA for ICT resilience requirements applicable to CASPs and with PSD2 for payment-related crypto services.

Access MiCA as Structured JSON

All articles, recitals, and amendments — queryable, filterable, and always up to date.