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The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is now in effect across the European Union, signaling a new era for cryptocurrency in the banking sector. BBVA, holding $857 billion in assets and ranking as the second largest bank in Spain, has already initiated a partnership with a crypto exchange. Abel Peña of Bit2Me anticipates that numerous banks across Europe will start offering crypto spot trading by early 2025.
The MiCA regulation provides the legal framework necessary for banks like BBVA to begin offering cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum to their clients. BBVA started exploring crypto services in Turkey and, with the completion of MiCA, plans to expand these offerings throughout Europe as soon as regulatory approvals are in place. This move is seen as a response to the growing demand for digital assets among consumers and businesses alike.
The banking industry’s pivot towards crypto is partly inspired by the success of U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, which amassed $35 billion in a single year, and a surge in political support for cryptocurrencies, including from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. This combination of regulatory clarity and high demand is setting the stage for a significant transformation in how European banks operate.