Crypto: Why MiCA Regulation Alarms Tether's CEO

Scheduled to come into effect from December 30, 2024, the MiCA regulation is already making the crypto industry in Europe tremble. The new requirements raise many questions among stablecoin issuers. Paolo Ardoino, the CEO of Tether, recently shared his concerns, hinting at major challenges ahead for the sector.

Tether Facing the New MiCA Regulations in Europe

Last Monday, the crypto exchange Binance announced that it would start restricting access to “unauthorized” stablecoins in Europe from June 30. This decision is a direct response to the requirements of the MiCA regulation, which imposes strict obligations on stablecoin issuers. Paolo Ardoino expressed his concerns regarding these regulations.

The CEO of Tether stated that these obligations could not only make the activity of stablecoin issuers very complex, but they could also make these regulated cryptos extremely vulnerable and riskier. He emphasized that the regulatory constraints imposed by MiCA could create significant operational challenges, affecting the flexibility and security of stablecoin issuers. Paolo Ardoino also warned about the potential effects of these regulations on the stability and reliability of stablecoins, suggesting that adjustments are necessary to avoid increased risks in the sector.

Capital Reserves: A Major Challenge

The capital reserves intended to back USDT pose a major problem for the CEO of Tether. According to the new requirements of the MiCA regulation, all stablecoins must be backed at a 1:1 ratio, solely with cash. Paolo Ardoino strongly criticizes this requirement, asserting that unsecured cash deposits represent an inappropriate and potentially dangerous solution for the financial stability of this crypto class.

He argues that this approach exposes stablecoins to risks similar to those encountered by Silicon Valley Bank. He proposes that these cryptos be allowed to maintain 100% of their reserves in Treasury bills, an alternative he considers more secure and stable. “Unsecured cash deposits are not a good idea. We should learn from what happened with Silicon Valley Bank. Stablecoins should be able to keep 100% of their reserves in Treasury bills, rather than exposing themselves to bank failures,” he said.

The implementation of the MiCA regulation forces stablecoin issuers to rethink their reserve strategy. The approach proposed by Ardoino highlights the need to review these regulations to ensure financial stability without compromising the security of these crypto issuers. It remains to be seen whether his proposals will be heard by European legislators.