European cryptocurrency exchanges, including Coinbase Europe, Coinbase Germany, and Coinbase Custody International, will delist several stablecoins by June 13. This action aligns with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework, which mandates compliance for stablecoin issuers.
Affected Stablecoins and Alternatives
The delisted assets will include:
- USDT (Tether)
- PAX
- PYUSD
- GUSD
- GYEN
- DAI
Coinbase will continue supporting MiCA-compliant stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC) and EURC, both issued in partnership with Circle. Users are advised to convert non-compliant holdings into approved alternatives.
Tether’s Compliance Status Under MiCA
Tether’s adherence to MiCA remains under review. While European regulators haven’t formally declared USDT non-compliant, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has yet to finalize its assessment. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, criticized certain MiCA provisions but emphasized ongoing efforts to develop compliant solutions for the European market.
Market Impact
As the third-largest global exchange, Coinbase processes over $1 billion daily in USDT trades, making this delisting a significant market event. Concurrently, Tether paused its euro-backed stablecoin EURt and endorsed emerging MiCA-compliant projects like Quantoz Payments’ EURq and USDq.
Broader Industry Response
Other exchanges, including OKX, Bitstamp, and Uphold, are also restricting non-compliant stablecoins. Binance plans to impose limits on EU stablecoins deemed "unregulated" under MiCA, potentially delisting them from its European platforms.
👉 Explore MiCA-compliant trading strategies
Regulatory Context
MiCA, effective since June 2024 for stablecoin issuers, requires all stablecoin issuers in the European Economic Area (EEA) to hold an electronic money license from an EU member state. Non-compliant tokens risk removal from major platforms.
Marina Parthuisot, Head of Legal at Binance France, noted the lack of approved stablecoin projects in the EU ahead of MiCA’s implementation. The regulation offers no grace period for existing tokens, likely triggering widespread delistings.
FAQs
1. Why is Coinbase delisting these stablecoins?
To comply with MiCA regulations, which mandate strict licensing and transparency requirements for stablecoin issuers.
2. What should users do with delisted stablecoins?
Convert them into MiCA-compliant alternatives like USDC or EURC.
3. Will USDT return to Coinbase in Europe?
Only if Tether secures MiCA compliance, which is currently under review.
👉 Learn how to transition to compliant stablecoins
4. How does MiCA affect other exchanges?
Platforms like OKX and Binance are also adjusting offerings to meet MiCA standards, potentially delisting non-compliant tokens.
5. What’s the deadline for MiCA compliance?
Stablecoin issuers must comply by December 30, 2024, per ESMA’s timeline.
6. Are decentralized stablecoins impacted?
Yes, if they lack proper licensing or fail to meet MiCA’s transparency requirements.