How a MiCA licence enhances client protection

In the fast-evolving world of digital finance, regulatory clarity is less a luxury nowadays than an absolute necessity. For institutional players navigating crypto markets, counterparties must demonstrate not just technical competence but regulatory credibility. 

The Markets in Crypto Assets regulation (MiCA) is the European Union’s landmark regulatory framework for crypto assets. It is designed to bring consistency, transparency and accountability to the digital asset ecosystem.

By leading the charge as one of the first crypto-native financial services firms to file its own MiCA application, BCB Group is setting the standard for trust, safeguarding client capital and reinforcing integrity.

How MiCA is a game-changer

MiCA covers a wide range of activities, from stablecoin issuance to crypto-asset service provision, and sets out clear obligations for firms operating in this space.

By offering much-needed regulatory clarity. MiCA authorisation provides enhanced investor protection, and for institutional clients it’s a marker of compliance, risk mitigation and access to broader markets. 

Marie Arras, Head of Compliance for BCB payments and BCB markets in the EU, said: “The law harmonises the way we treat customers and how we do business. It will help the crypto business and will help the market grow.”

One key area is in stablecoins. Stablecoin issuers whose reference asset is a European currency are required to meet a range of requirements. For service providers such as BCB, this and various other aspects of MiCA affecting clients will be integrated with onboarding, while for our clients, regulatory approval means deeper confidence in the underlying systems supporting redemptions, capital protection and operational reliability.

Meanwhile, for traditional finance entities entering crypto, MiCA status signals institutional-grade standards. These firms look for partners vetted under frameworks that resemble traditional regulation, making MiCA a gateway credential.

Explaining the key protections in MiCA

With the implementation of MiCA comes a suite of safeguards that directly enhance client protection and operational resilience. 

Asset segregation – MiCA mandates that client assets be kept separate from a firm’s own holdings. At BCB, this will mean ring-fenced accounts and transparent custody arrangements. Our clients will retain full ownership and access to their assets, even in the unlikely event of insolvency. This structural separation is a cornerstone of how we manage capital protection.

Prudential safeguards – Under MiCA, firms must maintain adequate capital and liquidity buffers to absorb shocks and ensure continuity. Our approach is based on conservative risk management to ensure a robust balance sheet and financial resilience, strengthening counterparty risk assessments and prioritising capital integrity.

Disclosure requirements – MiCA enforces strict disclosure standards around services, risks, and operational practices. To this end, BCB is committed to offering clear product documentation, transparent pricing and regular reporting. Our clients will see the benefits from full visibility that enables them to make informed decision-making, with a reduced risk of ‘hidden surprises’.

Governance controls – Our MiCA licence will hold us to the same standards as ‘traditional’ financial institutions. It will align us with the strong governance and regulatory frameworks core to MiCA, such as fit-and-proper leadership, internal controls and independent compliance functions. 

Building trust through compliance 

MiCA recognises that crypto is now an established part of the global financial infrastructure. Preparing to adopt the gold standard for responsible crypto finance affirms our commitment to stronger protections and clearer expectations for our clients.

Arras adds: “At BCB we are more than comfortable that we can meet the MiCA requirements and continue to expand our services to our clients.”

Compliance with MiCA is a foundation of trust, transparency and building long-term partnerships. It reflects our belief that regulation is not a constraint, but a catalyst for growth, innovation and trust.