# MiCA

> The Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation. The European Union's main rulebook for crypto firms.

Canonical URL: https://fudfomo.co/glossary/mica
Source: What The Block! Dictionary v1.0 (last updated 2026-04-25), browsable at https://wtb.fudfomo.co.

## Definition

MiCA, short for Markets in Crypto-Assets, is the European Union's framework for regulating most crypto activity. It sets out licensing rules for issuers and service providers, reserve and disclosure requirements for stablecoins, and consumer protection standards across the bloc.

MiCA started rolling out in 2024 and 2025. Firms that want to serve EU customers generally need either a MiCA licence or a recognised passport from another member state.

## Regulatory context

MiCA applies across all 27 EU member states. National regulators handle authorisation, with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the European Banking Authority (EBA) coordinating.

## Related terms

- [Stablecoin](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/stablecoin): A token designed to hold the same value as a regular currency, usually the US dollar.
- [KYC](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/kyc): Know Your Customer. The identity checks an exchange runs before letting you trade.
- [AML](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/aml): Anti-money laundering. The rules and checks that stop crypto being used to hide the origin of dirty money.
- [VASP](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/vasp): Virtual Asset Service Provider. A FATF term for any business that handles crypto on behalf of customers.

## See the full catalogue

What The Block! covers more than 2,000 plain-English crypto terms, delivered as embeddable hover-state tooltips for crypto exchanges. https://wtb.fudfomo.co