The European Banking Authority (EBA) recently released detailed guidelines pertaining to recovery plans for issuers of asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and e-money tokens (EMTs) as part of the broader Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. ARTs are digital tokens that are backed by assets such as commodities, real estate, or a diversified basket of assets. On the other hand, EMTs are tokens that are pegged to fiat currencies in order to maintain a stable value, commonly known as stablecoins.
The guidelines put forth by the EBA require issuers to establish comprehensive recovery plans to ensure compliance with regulatory standards if they fail to meet asset reserve requirements. These plans must encompass key elements, governance structures, recovery options, and a communication strategy. Furthermore, they should include a framework of indicators to monitor the issuer’s financial health and operational stability, with a specific focus on a critical de-pegging risk indicator to assess the alignment between the token’s market price and the value of referenced assets.
The EBA’s guidelines emphasize the principle of proportionality, tailoring recovery plan requirements based on the size, complexity, and business model of the issuer. This approach provides flexibility for issuers to develop practical and effective recovery plans that are suited to their individual circumstances. In cases where tokens are issued by multiple entities, coordination is crucial to ensure consistency in recovery plan indicators, recovery options, and equitable treatment of all token holders.
Transparency is a key focus of the guidelines, requiring issuers to develop robust communication strategies to keep token holders and stakeholders informed about the implementation of recovery options. Issuers must also manage potential market reactions and ensure stakeholders are aware of the steps taken to restore compliance. Internal decision-making processes should be transparent, and timely communication with competent authorities is essential for effective recovery planning.
Following a public consultation, the EBA finalized these guidelines to strike a balance between regulatory oversight and operational flexibility in the crypto-asset market. Issuers are expected to adhere to these guidelines and notify the EBA of their compliance status. The guidelines will come into effect two months after publication on the EBA website, providing issuers with a clear roadmap for establishing resilient recovery plans. The formalization of these guidelines marks a significant milestone in bolstering the stability and reliability of the rapidly expanding crypto industry in the EU.
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