‘We Are DeFi, so MiCA Does Not Apply to Us.’ Sorry, but EBA and ESMA Have a Different Point of View
Bitcoin.com News·60-word summary·1 min read
European regulators, including EBA and ESMA, assert that DeFi projects are not exempt from MiCA regulations, despite claims of decentralization. They focus on operational control rather than technical architecture, making the "fully decentralized" exemption narrowly applicable. This interpretation emphasizes that DeFi projects must comply with MiCA if regulators determine they retain operational control, challenging the notion of complete decentralization.
Bitcoin spot ETFs in the U.S. saw a seventh consecutive day of inflows, totaling $223 million on April 23, driven by institutional demand amid increased law enforcement seizures of $700 million linked to Southeast Asian fraud networks. BlackRock’s Bitcoin Trust led with $167 million, reflecting growing investor confidence despite regulatory scrutiny.
Europe’s seaborne gas supply has decreased due to terminal maintenance and global flow disruptions, impacting the region’s energy sector. This reduction, amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, could influence the European Central Bank’s monetary policy decisions. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in Europe's energy supply chain as of April 2026.
Germany’s Ifo index fell to 84.4, signaling economic slowdown and increasing pressure on the European Central Bank to consider rate cuts. The decline, observed in April 2026, raises concerns about Eurozone stability and growth prospects, potentially prompting the ECB to adjust monetary policy to support the economy amid ongoing challenges.
Traders are betting against a record high in crude oil prices and a dip in Bitcoin amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. This skepticism indicates confidence in market stability and possible economic policy adjustments. The market movements reflect traders' cautious outlook as geopolitical factors continue to influence commodity and cryptocurrency prices. The article was published on Crypto Briefing.
Morgan Stanley launched the MSILF Stablecoin Reserves Portfolio, a government money market fund for stablecoin issuers, following its successful debut of the MSBT spot Bitcoin ETF. The ETF has attracted significant inflows, prompting the firm to expand its crypto-related offerings. The new fund aims to support stablecoin issuers with a dedicated reserve management solution.
On April 23, U.S.-listed spot Ethereum ETFs experienced $75.94 million in outflows, ending a 10-day streak of inflows. Despite this reversal, the total net inflows for the segment remain at $12.08 billion, indicating sustained investor interest. The outflows suggest a short-term shift in sentiment, but overall participation in Ethereum ETFs remains strong.
