Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is significantly boosting Bitcoin and cryptocurrency trading across the European Union through its standardized licensing framework. Industry data reveals a 70% surge in EU crypto trading volumes following the regulation’s implementation, contrasting sharply with declining retail activity in US markets strained by regulatory uncertainty.
Paybis executive Konstantins Vasilenko attributes Europe’s growth to MiCA’s clear licensing regime, which provides legal certainty for crypto firms and investors. Major exchanges including OKX, Crypto.com, Bybit, and Coinbase have secured MiCA licenses, enabling seamless cross-border operations and bolstering market confidence throughout the EU bloc.
France and Germany are emerging as regional leaders, with France experiencing a remarkable 175% increase in crypto activities. Germany is simultaneously advancing institutional-grade cryptocurrency infrastructure, accelerating blockchain adoption across corporate and financial sectors.
Meanwhile, US retail trading faces sustained decline due to fragmented state-level regulations and unresolved SEC enforcement actions against industry players. This regulatory ambiguity continues to unsettle investors and stifle market participation.
The pending GENIUS Act offers a potential path for US market revitalization by establishing unified federal licensing standards and stablecoin rules. Analysts suggest its passage could restore competitiveness by late 2025 if regulatory clarity is achieved.