Regulatory threshold
What attributes do the regulators consider in determining whether a cryptoasset is subject to regulation under the laws in your jurisdiction?
The Financial Market Authority (FMA) operates a ‘technology-neutral’ approach, meaning that products and services involving cryptoassets are subject to the same regulatory framework as traditional products and services. The underlying rationale is ‘same risk, same rules’. Whether and to what extent financial services regulation and securities laws apply depends primarily on the actual product features and business model.
Business models involving cryptoassets may be subject to licensing requirements and are governed by:
the Banking Act – for example, if funds are raised for investment into cryptoassets or in the case of dealing as principal or agent in cryptoassets that qualify as financial instruments under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) II (2014/65/EU);