• The DLT Science Foundation has launched the MiCA Crypto Alliance with Ripple, Aptos Foundation, and Hedera to help crypto entities comply with EU regulations.
• The Alliance offers resources and tools to address compliance challenges and reduce costs for crypto businesses.

The Distributed Ledger Technology Science Foundation (DSF), a non-profit organization established in 2023, has launched the MiCA Crypto Alliance in partnership with Ripple, Aptos Foundation, and Hedera. This initiative aims to help crypto service providers comply with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation.

The alliance will help the regulated crypto assets service providers (CASPs) with access to the tools, resources, and a network of professionals. The MiCA regulation that was adopted by European regulators in 2023 will start being implemented this year and will be completely effective by the end of 2024. 

MiCA is seen as one of the most significant developments in enhancing the legal frameworks that govern the operation of the crypto industry in Europe. However, the problem of compliance is still acute for the entities as there are no precedents to follow. The MiCA Crypto Alliance aims to solve such issues, suggesting measures to minimize the compliance burden. 

Alliance Aims to Reduce Compliance Burden for Crypto Service Providers

The initiative is set to aid crypto hedge funds and other institutions that have raised the issue of increasing legal and compliance costs. As noted in the press release from the DSF, more than half of these funds expect higher expenses because of the market volatility and changes in the regulations. The Alliance also plans to involve blockchain projects and cryptocurrency exchanges to promote standardization and improve the regulation of the industry. 

One of the key initiatives of the MiCA Crypto Alliance is the creation of standardized templates for sustainability disclosures, a requirement under the MiCA regulation. MiCA mandates CASPs to report on the effects of climate change on their activities. However, there is currently no comprehensive set of templates or guidelines that can be followed with regard to these disclosures. The alliance will provide pre-designed templates that any regulated entity can use to meet the disclosure requirement without falling foul of the laws.

Dr. Paolo Tasca, DSF founder, emphasized the significance of these disclosures, noting that they aim to drive climate accountability within the industry. Dr.Paolo said,

The sustainability disclosure requirements contained within the regulation are designed to drive climate accountability from projects operating within this space and encourage the responsible development of these powerful technologies.

Central Bank of Ireland Outlines MiCA Implementation Timeline

As crypto businesses prepare for MiCA compliance, regulators also set enforcement expectations. The Central Bank of Ireland recently outlined its regulatory expectations for crypto entities within its jurisdiction. The Bank has also revealed that MiCA regulations have been implemented for ARTs and EMTs’ issuers from June 30, 2024, and will also include CASPs by the end of the year.

The Bank has advised any entity that wishes to engage in trading or offering ARTs or EMTs to approach the regulator for guidance. Also, the Central Bank of Ireland provided an outline of the CASP authorization process which comprises of the pre-application phase and the Key Fact Document submission.