The European Banking Authority calls for the inclusion of crypto lending in the MiCA regulatory framework

The European Banking Authority (EBA) calls for the inclusion of crypto lending in the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework. In response to the European Commission's targeted consultation on MiCA, the EBA stated that lending activities involving crypto assets should be regulated, including situations where crypto asset service providers offer users access to decentralized finance (DeFi) lending protocols.

The EBA recommends that the European Commission conduct a cost-benefit analysis for legislative amendments, considering the inclusion of intermediary crypto lending in the MiCA regulatory service list, and potentially adding specific compliance requirements and supervisory activities. The agency also suggested that corresponding requirements should be set for crypto companies providing customers access to DeFi lending protocols.

Potential measures listed by the EBA include user suitability testing, leverage limits, and additional information disclosure requirements. The regulatory body also proposed that access to lending involving assets that require MiCA authorization, such as reference tokens or electronic money tokens, may be restricted, and a certification system should be introduced for DeFi lending protocols. The EBA noted that crypto lending is continuously growing within the EU, with previous studies showing lending activities in at least 16 member states; easier access to DeFi through crypto companies and artificial intelligence tools is increasingly blurring the lines between centralized and decentralized finance. The above recommendations are part of the EBA's overall opinion on the European Commission's review of MiCA, which also covers stablecoin rules, crypto asset classification, and reporting requirements.