MiCA’s stricter regulations regarding USDT are accelerating the transition to new stablecoins on European exchanges
21.08.2026
The introduction of new cryptocurrency regulations in Europe under the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) law is leading to significant changes in the stablecoin market. Starting in 2026, European crypto exchanges began actively reviewing their listings and trading pairs, particularly with regard to Tether (USDT), the largest stablecoin by market capitalization.MiCA, which took effect in July 2026, imposes strict requirements on stablecoin issuers, including mandatory registration, reserve transparency, and compliance with financial stability standards. As a result, major European platforms such as Bitstamp and Kraken EU have already announced a phased restriction on USDT trading for EU users.According to data from the analytics platform Kaiko, over the past two weeks, trading volume for alternative stablecoins, such as USDC and EURC, has increased by 36%, while USDT’s share in European trading pairs has fallen from 75% to 51%. Market participants note that the shift toward regulated stablecoins helps build trust among institutional investors and simplifies access to fiat currencies.Experts emphasize that stricter regulation stimulates innovation and the development of new financial products that comply with European standards. New MiCA-compliant stablecoins are expected to enter the market in the coming months, providing users with greater choice and enhancing the security of transactions.