Question 1

What is the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation?

Accepted Answer

The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation (EU 2023/1114) is the European Union’s first comprehensive legal framework for crypto-assets. It establishes harmonised rules for the issuance, trading and custody of digital assets across all EU Member States and applies to asset-referenced tokens (ARTs), e-money tokens (EMTs) and crypto-asset service providers (CASPs).

Question 2

Who needs to comply with MiCA?

Accepted Answer

MiCA applies to persons in the EU that issue, offer to the public or seek admission to trading of crypto-assets, and to crypto-asset service providers such as exchanges, trading platforms and custody providers.

Question 3

Why is MiCA important for the crypto industry?

Accepted Answer

MiCA creates a single, harmonised framework for crypto-assets across EU Member States, replacing fragmented national regimes. It introduces clear rules for disclosure, conduct and governance, enabling CASPs to operate across the EU under a single authorisation and strengthening market integrity and investor protection.

Question 4

When does MiCA apply?

Accepted Answer

MiCA is fully in force in the EU. Rules for ARTs and EMTs have applied since 30 June 2024, and rules for other crypto-assets and CASPs since 30 December 2024. Some Member States have transitional periods during which existing CASPs can operate under previous national regimes while applying for MiCA authorisation.

Question 5

What is a MiCA white paper?

Accepted Answer

A MiCA white paper is the core disclosure document required before a public offer or admission to trading of a crypto-asset in the EU. It must describe the issuer or offeror, the rights and risks linked to the crypto-asset, the underlying technology and, where applicable, sustainability disclosures, and it must be notified to the competent authority and published before the offer or admission.

Question 6

What is the MiCA Crypto Alliance?

Accepted Answer

The MiCA Crypto Alliance, founded by Exponential Science, helps organisations implement the EU’s MiCA Regulation through shared standards, technical tools and expert services, including MiCA-compliant white papers, ESG datasheets and advisory frameworks.

Question 7

Who can join the Alliance?

Accepted Answer

Membership is open to Layer-1 and Layer-2 networks, token issuers and offerors, crypto-asset service providers such as exchanges, custodians and trading platforms, and law firms, consultancies and compliance partners supporting MiCA implementation.

Question 8

What role does Exponential Science play in the Alliance?

Accepted Answer

Exponential Science is the founding organisation of the MiCA Crypto Alliance and provides the technical, legal and research infrastructure that underpins its work, ensuring that methodologies, templates and data tools remain scientifically robust and aligned with evolving EU policy and regulatory guidance.

Question 9

How does the Alliance help with MiCA compliance?

Accepted Answer

The MiCA Crypto Alliance supports MiCA compliance by standardising white papers and ESG disclosures through shared templates, metrics and scoring methodologies, improving comparability, transparency and reporting quality for members and market participants.

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