The European Banking Authority (EBA) has recently released comprehensive guidelines focused on recovery plans for issuers of asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and e-money tokens (EMTs) under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. These guidelines aim to ensure that issuers have solid recovery plans in place to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements in the event of failure to meet asset reserve standards.
The guidelines mandate that issuers develop recovery plans that encompass key elements, governance details, recovery options, and a communication strategy. These plans must also include a framework of indicators to monitor the issuer’s financial health and operational stability, with a particular focus on a critical de-pegging risk indicator to track the alignment between the token’s market price and the value of referenced assets.
An essential aspect of these guidelines is the principle of proportionality, which ensures that recovery plan requirements are tailored to the issuer’s size, complexity, and business model. This approach provides flexibility for issuers to design practical and effective recovery plans that align with their unique circumstances.
Transparency is a key focus of the guidelines, with issuers required to develop communication strategies to keep token holders and other stakeholders informed about the implementation of recovery options. Additionally, issuers must manage potential adverse market reactions and ensure stakeholders are aware of the steps taken to restore compliance. The guidelines emphasize the importance of transparent internal decision-making processes and timely communication with competent authorities.
The EBA developed these guidelines after a public consultation that concluded in February 2024, incorporating feedback from various industry stakeholders. The final guidelines strike a balance between regulatory oversight and operational flexibility, aiming to enhance the resilience of the crypto-asset market in the EU.
Issuers are required to comply with 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 framework for establishing robust recovery plans. The formalization of these guidelines represents a significant step toward ensuring the stability and reliability of the rapidly expanding crypto industry in the EU.
The guidelines set forth by the EBA for recovery plans of asset-referenced tokens and e-money tokens are crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance and operational stability in the crypto market. By implementing these guidelines, issuers can enhance transparency, strengthen resilience, and ultimately contribute to the overall growth and reliability of the crypto industry in the EU.
