European Union: FinTech

FinXP and Buckzy Payments have formed a strategic partnership to enhance cross-border payment capabilities for internationally-active businesses. The collaboration combines FinXP's regulated European infrastructure with Buckzy's real-time international payment network and stablecoin technology. This integration aims to streamline European account management, SEPA payments, and global payment operations while reducing operational complexity for clients of both platforms.

Malta's financial regulator has issued two significant circulars that reshape how payment and e-money institutions safeguard client funds and how firms report regulatory data.

The Malta Financial Services Authority has issued new ICT circulars highlighting critical deficiencies in digital operational resilience among financial firms, particularly in authorisation applications and DORA compliance.

The EU's Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) transitional period expires on 1 July 2026, marking a critical deadline for crypto-asset service providers operating in Europe. Without proper MiCA authorisation by this date, businesses must cease operations and implement orderly wind-down procedures, as pending applications do not grant permission to continue providing services. This comprehensive analysis examines the regulatory requirements, compliance obligations, and strategic considerations for cryp

On the seventh episode of our blockchain series, Counsel Dr. Anastasia Mallerou and Associate Sotiris Kolelis continue discussing MiCA, focusing on the changes for firms operating in the crypto space, the authorization involved and the effect on the crypto-assets market.

Cyprus is already active in the MiCA landscape, with 12 firms having either obtained CASP authorisation under MiCA or extended their activities via Article 60 notifications, positioning it as a credible EU base for regulated crypto-asset activity.

The principal provisions concern the transposition into Greek law of two EU Directives — 2023/2226 and 2025/872 (DAC8 and DAC9, respectively) — through amendments to Law 4170/2013 (the Law), the framework statute governing administrative cooperation in the field of taxation.

On the sixth episode of our blockchain series, Counsel Dr. Anastasia Mallerou and Associate Sotiris Kolelis discuss MiCA, the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation which establishes a comprehensive and harmonized framework governing both the issuance of crypto-assets and the provision of related services.

The Central Bank of Ireland's latest Financial Stability Review examines intensifying global risks facing the domestic financial system, with particular focus on AI financing developments and their potential market implications. Governor Makhlouf highlights elevated vulnerabilities from Middle East energy supply shocks, AI-related stock valuations, and evolving cybersecurity threats, while emphasizing the accumulated resilience in Ireland's financial system through strong capital buffers and prudent lending