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Tetherโ€™s standoff with euโ€™s crypto regulation mi ca

Tether Slams EU's Regulations | Refuses Compliance with MiCA

By

James Tanaka

May 24, 2025, 07:35 PM

Edited By

Maya Patel

2 minutes of reading

Tether logo next to EU flag representing the conflict over crypto regulations
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Tether, a leader in the stablecoin market, has rejected Europeโ€™s new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations, citing serious concerns over potential risks to the banking system. This decision has ignited heated discussions across forums and user boards.

The Crux of Tether's Decision

Tetherโ€™s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, criticized MiCA for imposing restrictive requirements, such as mandating that stablecoins reserve 60% of funds in European banks. Tether prefers keeping its reserves in U.S. Treasuries for better liquidity.

"This regulation could increase system fragility and promote a digital euro as a means of financial control," said Ardoino, emphasizing the challenges facing crypto operators.

Community Reactions

Users shared mixed opinions. Some allege a lack of transparency regarding Tether's financial backing.

  • One wrote: "If they complied, it would be clear that they don't have the money they print backed."

  • Others claimed that Tether's operations are no different from traditional fiat systems, undermining the credibility of cryptocurrency.

Moreover, some exchanges have begun delisting Tether (USDT) within the EU, a move likely to ripple through the market.

Fears of Insolvency

Concerns about Tether's financial health are surfacing, with individuals questioning the sustainability of its business model. One user noted, "People will be surprised when itโ€™s revealed that they are insolvent."

Key Points to Consider

  • โš ๏ธ Tether opposes MiCA, citing risks to the banking sector.

  • ๐Ÿšซ Exchanges are delisting USDT in response to the regulation.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Ardoino labels MiCA as potentially precarious for the crypto market.

  • ๐Ÿ” Some community members express worries about Tether's solvency.

As the situation unfolds, many wonder how this will impact the broader cryptocurrency market and what regulatory changes may follow. Tether's refusal to comply raises questions about the future of decentralized finance in Europe and beyond.

What Lies Ahead for Tether and MiCA

As Tether stands firm against the EUโ€™s MiCA regulations, market analysts predict that this standoff could lead to significant shifts in the crypto landscape. Thereโ€™s a strong chance that other exchanges will follow suit and delist USDT, which may destabilize liquidity within the market. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that this situation will prompt a re-examination of regulatory approaches across Europe, as regulators strive to balance innovation while ensuring financial stability. Moreover, if Tether cannot effectively demonstrate its financial strength, the likelihood of a loss of investor confidence increases, potentially leading to further scrutiny from financial authorities worldwide.

A Lesson from Prohibitionโ€™s Fallout

This situation recalls the early 20th-century Prohibition era, when the U.S. government banned alcohol, leading to massive underground markets and the rise of organized crime. Tether's resistance to regulations mirrors how stakeholders sought ways to circumvent restrictions, often causing more chaos than compliance could have. Just as the illicit alcohol trade evolved alongside enforcement attempts, the crypto world may respond to these regulations with newfound ingenuity, fostering a landscape of parallel ecosystems that could challenge the very essence of the rules intended to govern them.