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MiCA, TFR, and GDPR: Navigating Digital Assets Regulations

Navigating the world of digital assets is complex, particularly with the advent of evolving regulations such as the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA), Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR), and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In response to these regulatory developments, businesses in the digital assets sector must stay well-informed and adjust their practices to remain compliant. Coinfirm and CoinsPaid, two leaders in the spheres of regulatory technology and crypto payment solutions respectively, have teamed up to elucidate these intricate regulations and their implications for businesses in the crypto space.

We are delighted to announce an exclusive webinar titled, “MiCA, TFR, and GDPR: Navigating Digital Assets Regulations.” The webinar features esteemed panelists Claudia Naiba, Regulatory & Training Lead at Coinfirm, and Maria Akulenko, Head of Legal and Compliance at CoinsPaid.

In this webinar, you will delve into:

1. A comprehensive overview of the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA),
2. Understanding the role of Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR) in the context of MiCA,
3. Examining the impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the context of MiCA.

This event is not to be missed for professionals working in the digital asset industry, regulatory bodies, or anyone keen to enhance their understanding of these critical regulations and their impact on digital asset transactions.

Watch a webinar

Post Webinar Summary

Introduction:

A webinar hosted by Coinfirm provided valuable insights into the European regulations in the cryptocurrency industry. The panelists focused on the Market in Crypto Assets Regulation (MICA), the Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR), and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These regulations aim to bring transparency and accountability to the crypto market while protecting investors and personal data. In this article, we will provide a summary of the key points discussed in the webinar and shed light on how these regulations will impact the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

MICA – Protecting Investors and Ensuring Trustworthiness:

The webinar began by discussing the scope of the MICA regulation, which primarily aims to protect crypto asset investors and ensure the trustworthiness of the crypto assets market framework. MICA lays down specific rules for offers, persons seeking admissions to trading, as well as issuers of crypto assets. These rules apply to both natural and legal persons, including certain undertakings providing crypto asset services. However, fully decentralized services and certain exemptions are considered out of scope for MICA.

Key Provisions of MICA:

To achieve its goals, MICA requires issuers of reference tokens to have a registered office in the Union. It also mandates the creation and publication of white papers by issuers, containing mandatory disclosures about the issuer project details, rights, obligations, and underlying technology. Additionally, marketing communications related to these assets should align with the information provided in the white paper to ensure fairness and clarity.

TFR – Enhancing Transparency and Combating Money Laundering:

The panelists also delved into the Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR), which aims to prevent money laundering in the crypto industry. The TFR extends obligations to virtual asset service providers, requiring them to provide information on the originators and beneficiaries of virtual asset transfers to facilitate traceability and comply with anti-money laundering measures. This regulation aligns with global recommendations and enhances transparency in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

GDPR – Safeguarding Personal Data:

Another significant aspect discussed in the webinar was the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR aims to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals with regard to the processing of their personal data. It covers the processing of personal data by data controllers and processors within the EU, as well as the processing of such data of EU residents by controllers and processors outside the EU. The GDPR sets out rules and obligations for organizations handling personal data to ensure lawful and responsible processing.

Interconnectivity of MICA, TFR, and GDPR:

It was highlighted by panelists that MICA and TFR are interconnected and rely on each other to address various issues within the crypto industry. The TFR aligns the European Union with global recommendations and imposes clear obligations on European crypto asset service providers, which will come into effect from January 2025. On the other hand, GDPR complements the regulations by safeguarding personal data and ensuring compliance with data protection standards.

Conclusion:

The webinar provided valuable insights into the upcoming regulations in the cryptocurrency industry, specifically MICA, TFR, and GDPR. These regulations are aimed at bringing transparency, trustworthiness, and investor protection to the crypto market while also safeguarding personal data. Understanding and adhering to these regulations will be crucial for individuals and companies operating within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. 

Panelists

Claudia Naiba, Regulatory and Training Lead, Coinfirm  

Claudia Naiba is a highly accomplished Regulatory and Training Lead at Coinfirm, where her extensive expertise in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and sanctions compliance has made her an invaluable asset to the team. With a strong background as a Senior Fraud Analyst, Claudia has dedicated over 13 years of her career to navigating and mastering the complexities of both FIAT and crypto-related industries.

 

Maria Akulenko, CAMS, the Head of Legal and Compliance at CoinsPaid

Mariais an accomplished legal and compliance professional with over a decade of experience at both local and international companies. With her extensive knowledge of corporate law and governance, sanctions and AML compliance, fraud investigations, IT, and financial institutions, she is well-equipped to handle the complexities of the ever-evolving regulatory landscape of the cryptocurrency industry.

Before joining CoinsPaid in 2020, she advised EU and foreign clients on a wide range of transactional and regulatory matters, demonstrating her ability to navigate and mitigate risks across multiple jurisdictions.

In addition to her professional achievements, Maria is known for her collaborative approach and passion for mentoring young professionals. She is committed to promoting ethical business practices and driving positive change in the crypto industry.

Hosted By​

Stas Kulminski, Business Development Manager, Coinfirm

Webinar Details:

Title: “MiCA, TFR, and GDPR: Navigating Digital Assets Regulations”

Presenters: Claudia Naiba, Regulatory & Training Lead at Coinfirm, and Maria Akulenko, Head of Legal and Compliance at CoinsPaid

Date: July 27, 2023

Time: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM CET

This is a valuable opportunity to learn directly from the experts at Coinfirm and CoinsPaid.