Will MiCA Cause EU Market Chaos Amid Tether Delistings?

In anticipation of the EU’s looming Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations, European exchanges are delisting Tether (USDT) en masse. This may severely hinder the EU market’s ability to capitalize on the crypto bull market.

Donald Trump’s election in the US is already benefiting Tether alongside the broader crypto industry, but market chaos in the EU could disrupt investment.

Tether Prepares for MiCA

It has been clear for several months now that Tether’s USDT, the largest stablecoin, will not meet MiCA compliance. According to a new report, EU exchanges have until December 30 to delist the asset. However, apprehension is growing in the European crypto community, as Tether’s retreat may have an outsized impact on the space:

“I understand why it’s been done to a certain extent, but it’s quite exclusionary and quite limiting for EU clients themselves because [USDT] is the most liquid stablecoin by a country mile, claimed Usman Ahmad, chief executive officer of crypto trading firm Zodia Markets Holdings Ltd.

Essentially, Tether is a very useful stablecoin for EU crypto business operations and a critical source of liquidity. Although the space has a high level of development and interest, some European financial products are dwarfed by the US-centric bull market.

In general, EU crypto investments have been dropping in 2024 compared to other regional markets, and MiCA might cause them to fall even further.

Tether has been preparing for MiCA by curtailing European services, and instead investing heavily in new stablecoins that meet EU compliance requirements. Several key competitors, however, view this as a critical opportunity to reduce Tether’s dominance this market.

Meanwhile, there are concerns that this potential regulatory chaos in the EU is coming precisely when other regional crypto markets are booming. Since Donald Trump won the US Presidential Election, the nation’s crypto industry has been thriving. Tether’s allies are receiving new appointments under Trump, and the firm is noticeably profiting in this space.

European investors will have to hope that the chaos surrounding MiCA and the Tether exit will not depress overall investment rates. Crypto is entering a new level of institutional and regional acceptance worldwide, but Europe could still lose out.