Blockchain and virtual currency regulation in the EU
Journal of Investment Compliance
ISSN: 1528-5812
Article publication date: 7 August 2018
Issue publication date: 9 October 2018
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explain the current stage of blockchain and virtual currency regulation in the EU.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper explains the current state of blockchain and virtual currency regulation in the EU, presenting the EU institutions’ main policy and regulatory initiatives on, and approaches to, blockchain and virtual currency.
Findings
Though the EU is looking seriously at the potential of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, many European institutions are of the opinion that it is still too early to regulate in this field. As far as virtual currencies are concerned, Member States’ central banks do not consider them to be equivalent to money or legal tender. However, with the current high profile of and interest in virtual currencies, one can expect the European Commission to at least consider what regulation might be called for.
Originality/value
This study provides practical guidance on and introduction to the current regulatory and policy landscape of blockchain and virtual currency in the EU.
Keywords
Citation
Miseviciute, J. (2018), "Blockchain and virtual currency regulation in the EU", Journal of Investment Compliance, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 33-38. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOIC-04-2018-0026
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Covington & Burling LLP.