The global financial technology firm announced they are the first global stablecoin issuer to be in compliance with the European Union's (EU) Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework which came into effect on June 30. The company made the announcement in a press release on July 1.
The European Economic Area (EEA) announced they will regulate stablecoins starting in July of 2024, meaning only authorized companies will be able to offer stablecoins to customers. These “Regulated Stablecoins” will not have the same restrictions as “unauthorized stablecoins” that carry over from the period before EEA regulations.
Circle was able to achieve compliance with the new rules by attaining an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the French banking regulatory authority Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR). The license ensures that the USDC and EURC being issued comply with the MiCA’s regulatory obligations for stablecoins or e-money tokens.