ECB calls for tougher EU crypto rules and wider ban on stablecoin interest

A day after unveiling Pontes, its system for settling tokenised assets in central bank money, the ECB has set out how it wants Europe's crypto rulebook rewritten.

The response, published on Tuesday by the European System of Central Banks, which groups the ECB with the EU's national central banks, argues for tougher rules on stablecoins, staking and crypto firms.

It feeds into the European Commission's review of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, known as MiCA, the EU's rulebook for cryptocurrencies and the firms that trade them.

MiCA has applied since December 2024, and the last transitional deadline for existing operators expired on 1 July, including Binance, the world's largest exchange, to stop serving European customers.

The Commission's consultation will close on 30 September, a month later than planned.

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The central banks' recommendations are not binding, and the Commission will weigh them alongside other responses before deciding whether to reopen the law.

EU diplomats have told Euronews they expect a revision in 2027, which would need the approval of the European Parliament and member states.

No interest and no loopholes

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to hold a steady value, usually by tracking the US dollar.