Binance updates crypto rules in Poland to meet new MiCA requirements

Binance has updated its cryptocurrency deposit and withdrawal procedures in Poland to comply with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). 

In a blog post on Jan. 17, Binance wrote, “Starting Jan. 20, users may need to provide more information when performing crypto deposits and withdrawals.” 

The new requirements apply to crypto deposits exceeding 1,000 euros ($1,030.80) and all withdrawals. For deposits, users must provide the sender’s full name, country and crypto exchange name. For withdrawals, similar details about the beneficiary are required.

Binance clarified that these updates only affect crypto transfers. However, the company warned that transactions might be delayed or returned if the necessary information is unavailable.

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What MiCA means for crypto in Europe

MiCA, officially enacted on Dec. 30, 2024, establishes a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies across the European Union. It aims to standardize crypto asset service providers’ (CASPs) rules and improve consumer protection while addressing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) concerns.

The MiCA framework also enforces stricter rules for stablecoin issuers, requiring them to maintain full reserves and obtain licenses to operate within the EU. Under MiCA, crypto transfers over 1,000 euros must include detailed information about the sender and recipient to ensure transparency.

Cryptocurrency is legally recognized in Poland, and activities such as mining, buying and selling are permitted under the current framework. Crypto income is taxed at a flat rate of 19% for individuals and businesses.

On Dec. 9, 2024, the Government Legislation Center published the fourth version of the long-awaited Crypto Assets Market Act, a draft regulatory framework for Poland’s cryptocurrency sector. This act requires Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to transition to the new CASP licensing system by June 30, 2025 — well ahead of the EU MiCA’s transition deadline of July 2026.

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The draft also proposes abolishing the current VASP registration system starting Oct. 1, 2025, mandating CASP licenses for continued legal operations. However, the draft remains at the government stage and has not yet been submitted to Parliament for approval.

Meanwhile, Sławomir Mentzen, a presidential candidate in Poland, has vowed to transform the country into a “cryptocurrency haven” if elected in the 2025 presidential election. The first round of voting is scheduled for May 18, 2025.

DeFi activity surges 40% YoY in Eastern Europe

Poland is emerging as a growing player in decentralized finance (DeFi) within Eastern Europe, according to Chainalysis’ October 2023 report.

Eastern Europe accounts for over 33% of total crypto inflows, making it the third-largest region globally for DeFi activity. The region also experienced a 40% year-over-year (YoY) growth in DeFi adoption, placing it behind only Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa in global rankings for YoY DeFi growth.

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