Crypto.com has announced the delisting of Tether’s USDT and nine other stablecoins in Europe, aligning with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations. The exchange will halt purchases on January 31, with full removal set for March 31, 2025. Users will have until then to withdraw their assets, after which any remaining balances will be converted into a MiCA-compliant alternative.
This move follows increased scrutiny from European regulators, who have pushed exchanges to eliminate non-compliant stablecoins. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has warned that exchanges must comply by March 31, with no exceptions.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is embracing stablecoins. President Donald Trump’s recent executive order supports the expansion of USD-backed stablecoins while explicitly banning a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC). This decision has fueled concerns in the EU, where regulators view the digital euro as a necessary countermeasure against American financial dominance.
Tether is also facing pressure in Washington. Senator Elizabeth Warren has raised concerns over Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick’s ties to Tether, questioning whether his involvement could compromise regulatory oversight. She has demanded answers by February 10 regarding his financial stake and any discussions with Trump administration officials about the company.
With the U.S. doubling down on stablecoins and the EU reinforcing its own regulations, the global crypto landscape is shifting. As more exchanges adjust to MiCA, the debate over financial sovereignty and the future of digital currencies is set to intensify.
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