DeFi
European DeFi protocols face potential regulatory assessment by the European Commission
European DeFi protocols face potential regulatory assessment by the European Commission
Decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols operating in Europe may soon face new regulations. This is in line with the regulations set out in the Markets in Crypto-Assets Framework (MiCA), which oversees digital assets in the region. The European Commission is required to produce a report by December 30, 2024, assessing the DeFi market and implementing specific regulations.
The aim of the report is to explore how decentralised systems, in particular those without a clear issuer or service provider, should be regulated. In response to the report, the Commission has launched various actions, including a study on integrated supervision. However, no policy decisions have been taken at this stage, according to a Commission spokesperson.
DeFi represents a shift toward peer-to-peer finance facilitated by decentralized blockchain-based technologies. While conventional financial laws often focus on regulating intermediaries like banks or financial service providers, decentralized systems operate without these intermediaries.
Another potential avenue for DeFi regulation could emerge through the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In specific cases, the FATF proposes that persons or entities with significant control or influence over DeFi arrangements be classified as virtual asset service providers (VASPs). This classification would apply even if the arrangements appear to be decentralized, highlighting the complexity of defining and regulating DeFi activities.