Bitpanda Warns of Fragmented MiCA Implementation Across EU

Bitpanda, the Austrian cryptocurrency exchange, has raised concerns about uneven application of Europe's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. Despite holding three MiCA licenses—a European record—the firm notes persistent disparities in how member states interpret the framework.

Benedikt Faupel, Bitpanda's Head of Public Affairs, acknowledged MiCA's role in simplifying a previously fragmented landscape where 17 different licensing regimes existed. "With MiCA, everything is much simpler," Faupel stated during German Blockchain Week, while emphasizing the need for consistent enforcement to ensure fair competition.

The regulation, designed to create a harmonized EU crypto market, continues to face divergent implementations. Some national regulators apply strict compliance measures while others adopt more lenient approaches. Bitpanda's privileged position as a multi-license holder gives it unique insight into these regulatory asymmetries.