CySEC issues crypto warning
08:32 - 24 December 2024
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has warned the public to beware of the high risk involved in crypto-assets, after their value rose sharply and suddenly last November, even though the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is set to fully take effect on 30 December 2024.
Citing the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), CySEC said that MiCA does not eliminate all risks, as markets in crypto-assets are not yet regulated at EU level.
"MiCA will start a new era of supervision for crypto-assets and related services as markets in crypto-assets are not yet regulated at European Union (EU) level," CySEC said, adding that "many crypto-assets are highly speculative and volatile, with prices subject to sudden and extreme fluctuations, also overnight”.
It also drew attention to the fact that MiCA’s safeguards are less extensive than those for traditional investment products and adds that clients may also not benefit from all protections immediately after MiCA enters into application. It also warned the public to "be very cautious when engaging with non-EU firms".