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Poland’s Parliament Overrides Presidential Veto on Crypto Asset Bill
Poland's Sejm has overridden President Karol Nawrocki's earlier veto to pass a crypto-asset bill, stirring debate over the implementation of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
Senate Review and KNF Authority
- The bill will now move to the Senate. If approved, it will empower Poland's financial watchdog, KNF, with extensive control over domestic crypto operations.
- This legislation aligns with MiCA, the EU-wide regulatory standard initiated this year.
- Local crypto firms criticize the bill as overly restrictive, potentially stifling innovation and driving businesses to more favorable EU jurisdictions like Germany or the Netherlands.
Regulatory Tensions Across Europe
- Poland's stringent approach contrasts with other EU countries adopting lighter regulations, risking regulatory arbitrage within the EU.
- President Nawrocki originally vetoed the bill due to concerns about its impact on the tech sector, but the Sejm used an override mechanism to advance it.
Poland’s Crypto Sector Growth
- Despite regulatory uncertainty, Poland's crypto sector is expanding, with Warsaw becoming a hub for blockchain startups.
- The KNF has maintained a cautious stance, warning about speculative risks without imposing outright bans.
- Full compliance with MiCA is required by 2025, pressuring Poland to finalize its framework without discouraging talent and capital.