The beginning of the year in the cryptocurrency market often comes under the sign of expectation and adaptation. However, this January, despite the traditional post-New Year lull, has already brought several interesting events and opportunities that deserve attention.
1. Surprises from Layer-2 solutions
Layer-2 technology continues to attract attention. The transition of Phala Network to Ethereum as L2 is an important step for the entire ecosystem, strengthening its role in ensuring privacy and scalability. This step could be crucial for DeFi applications and open new opportunities for creators and users.

The new EU regulation on cryptocurrencies, MiCA, officially takes effect on December 30, and is expected to drive the development of euro-denominated stablecoins, according to reports from #JPMorgan .
Euro-Denominated Stablecoins Benefit
Strict MiCA requirements: According to the new regulations, only stablecoins that fully comply with standards #MiCA are allowed to be used as trading pairs on regulated markets in the EU.

Starting December 30, 2024, the #MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) framework will come into effect, requiring crypto exchanges to cease trading the #USDT? stablecoin and several others. This is due to new regulations demanding licensing and transparency from stablecoin issuers.
Key Points:
New MiCA Regulations: Stricter requirements for stablecoin issuers, including licensing and transparency, make it impossible for exchanges to continue trading USDT in Europe.What Users Can Expect: European users will need to convert their USDT into other stablecoins or cryptocurrencies that meet MiCA requirements to avoid withdrawal restrictions.Market Impact: Increased volatility in the stablecoin market is expected in Europe. The long-term effect will depend on how quickly market participants adapt to the new regulations.
Conclusion: MiCA aims to enhance transparency and security in the European crypto market. Users should stay informed and be prepared to adapt to these changes in order to avoid potential disruptions.
$BTC
$ETH

With the rise of crypto-assets, tax rules in France and Europe are adapting to regulate this growing sector. Here is the latest information to know:
1. Tax regime for crypto-assets in France
Since January 1, 2023, individuals can choose between two tax regimes for capital gains made on the sale of crypto-assets:
• Single Flat-Rate Deduction (PFU): a flat rate of 30%, including 12.8% income tax and 17.2% social security contributions.

MoonPay, alongside BitStaete, ZBD, and Hidden Road, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Markets in Crypto Assets (#MiCA ) licenses from Dutch regulators. These approvals, confirmed in a December 30 filing by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (#AFM ), empower the companies to operate seamlessly across all 27 EU member states under a unified regulatory framework.

Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO and co-founder of MoonPay, described the development as transformative for the European cryptocurrency industry. “𝐌𝐢𝐂𝐀 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 for digital asset regulation in Europe, and we’re honored to be among the first to collaborate with the Dutch AFM to embrace this new framework,” 𝐒𝐨𝐭𝐨-𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 stated. The MiCA legislation, designed to standardize cryptocurrency regulations across Europe, includes the Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license, enabling license holders to expand operations throughout the bloc.

The new regulatory framework began its phased rollout on June 30, 2024, initially targeting stablecoins, referred to as “ 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐬” 𝐚𝐧𝐝 “𝐄-𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐬.” The December 30 extension brought all other regulated digital tokens, coins, and 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐬 under its purview. Alongside MoonPay, firms like BitStaete, a digital asset management platform; 𝐙𝐁𝐃 , a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin lightning solutions; and Hidden Road, a clearing and brokerage firm, have secured 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐏 licenses. These approvals mark a pivotal step forward for these companies as they navigate the evolving regulatory landscape of the European Union.

𝐌𝐢𝐂𝐀’𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐯𝐬. 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

While MiCA is lauded for providing regulatory clarity and promoting market maturity, its stringent requirements have sparked debate among industry players. Economists have raised concerns about the financial strain it imposes, particularly on smaller crypto firms. Stablecoin issuers, for example, must maintain at least 30% of their reserves in low-risk, EU-based banks, while larger issuers like Tether and Circle face even stricter mandates, requiring 60% reserves in similar institutions.

Critics argue that such measures could hinder smaller startups and escalate operational costs, potentially driving companies toward jurisdictions with more favorable regulations. 𝐀𝐠𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞 , head of growth at DeFi platform WeFi, highlighted the challenges for smaller issuers, calling the 30% reserve requirement “financially burdensome.” Similarly, U𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐀𝐄’𝐬crypto-friendly policies might attract firms seeking less restrictive environments.

Nonetheless, some industry leaders see the framework as a positive development. 𝐃𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐣 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧 , founder of 𝐙𝐞𝐤𝐫𝐞𝐭 , views MiCA as a necessary step to enhance market integrity and attract new users and funds. However, he also warned that increased regulatory scrutiny could lead to tighter oversight of retail investors. As MiCA takes full effect, its long-term impact will likely hinge on how well it balances market stability with fostering innovation.
#MoonPay #MiCAs #NonFarmPayrollsImpact

1. Form No. 2086: Declaration of capital gains or losses on sales of digital assets
This form is used to report capital gains or losses made on the sale of digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies. It must be attached to the income tax return.
• Use: Details of digital asset transfer operations carried out during the fiscal year.
• Access to the form: Available on the official French tax website

2. Form No. 2042-C: Supplementary income declaration

🔸 As the “MICA” rules are nearing their end of implementation on January 10, 2023, the fate of Tether (USDT) in the European Union is uncertain. According to a member of the #MiCA Crypto Alliance Technical Committee, none of the European regulators have yet officially announced whether Tether is compliant with the MICA rules.
🔸 While some exchanges like Coinbase have removed Tether from their services in Europe, many others like Binance and Crypto.com continue to support the currency. According to experts, exchanges can gain more transparency from regulators with a “#WAIT and #see ” strategy.
🔸 According to the MICA rules, companies providing digital currency services before the aforementioned date have until July 1, 2021 to obtain the necessary licenses or cease their activities.
#BTCMiningPeak #btc2025

$XRP is on fire! 🔥 The digital asset has once again flipped Tether’s USDT to reclaim its spot as the 3rd-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, trailing only Bitcoin ($BTC ) and Ethereum ($ETH ). As of January 3, XRP’s market cap has soared to a jaw-dropping $138.98 billion, leaving USDT behind amidst regulatory chaos. Let’s dive into what’s driving this meteoric rise! 🌌

XRP’s Meteoric Ascent 🚀
Currently trading at $2.43, XRP has surged 17% in the last 14 days and a staggering 280% over the past year! XRP’s climb past Tether’s USDT, which now holds a $137.38 billion market cap, reflects not just price momentum but a shift in market confidence.

XRP’s ascent was triggered by:
• Pro-Crypto Sentiment: Ripple’s rally began after Donald Trump’s reelection in November, with expectations of a crypto-friendly administration.
• ETF Buzz: Speculation over a spot XRP ETF gained steam as major players like WisdomTree and 21Shares filed applications with the SEC.
• Ripple USD (RLUSD): The launch of Ripple’s new dollar-backed stablecoin is paving the way for enterprise-focused cross-border payments.

Tether’s Struggles Under MiCA ⚖️
Meanwhile, Tether’s USDT has faced headwinds. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations rolled out stricter requirements for stablecoin issuers, demanding full reserves and licenses to operate in the EU.
Key events affecting USDT:
• Coinbase Europe Delisting: On December 13, Coinbase delisted USDT, citing MiCA compliance issues.
• Market Share Decline: USDT’s dominance in the stablecoin market fell slightly, even as it maintains a commanding 67.21% share of the $204-billion sector.
The Ripple Effect 🌊
Ripple is riding a wave of positive momentum:
1. RLUSD Growth: Ripple’s stablecoin, launched in December, already boasts a market cap of $72 million.
2. Institutional Adoption: RLUSD is set to integrate into Ripple Payments by early 2025, making cross-border enterprise payments faster and cheaper.
3. Broader Crypto Optimism: XRP’s rally is part of a larger trend of renewed enthusiasm across the crypto market, as Bitcoin and Ethereum also posted strong gains.

XRP’s Tip for 2025: Watch the Ecosystem 🌟
If you’re an XRP fan, now’s the time to focus on utility. Ripple’s growing ecosystem—from RLUSD to cross-border enterprise solutions—shows that XRP isn’t just a speculative asset; it’s a key player in global finance.

💡 Pro Tip: Look beyond price charts! Keep an eye on developments in Ripple’s payment network and the approval status of the spot XRP ETFs, as these could fuel the next big wave of growth.

The Bigger Picture 🌍
While XRP’s rise is impressive, Tether remains a stablecoin titan, with 21.9 million new users added in December alone. Still, XRP’s ability to reclaim its spot in the top three showcases its staying power and growing relevance.
Ready to ride the XRP wave? 🌊 Stay informed, think long-term, and remember: the crypto market loves a comeback story!
What’s next for XRP? Could it challenge ETH’s #2 spot in 2025? Let me know your thoughts! 🧐👇

#MiCA #USDT #Ripple