ECB seeks MiCA reserve change flagged by Tether in 2024 - Crypto News

The European Central Bank is reportedly seeking changes to reserve requirements under the Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation — an issue Tether flagged back in 2024. The detail matters because MiCA sets the rulebook for stablecoin issuers operating in the EU, including how reserves backing tokens must be held and composed.

Reserve rules are the backbone of stablecoin credibility. They determine what assets sit behind a token, how liquid those assets are, and how quickly holders could be repaid in stress. Any adjustment to those standards can shift compliance costs for issuers and influence which stablecoins remain viable in European markets.

For market participants, the key is the direction of the change, not the headline itself. Watch whether the ECB pushes for stricter, more liquid reserve composition, how major issuers respond, and whether EU access for non-euro stablecoins narrows. Regulatory clarity can support adoption, but tighter reserve standards may also reshape competitive dynamics across the sector.