Excellent discussion. Adding the cross-border legal perspective since that’s where MiCA gets really interesting.
Cross-Border Compliance: The European Challenge
The Passporting Promise vs Reality
MiCA promised simplified cross-border operations through passporting. The reality by 2026:
The Theory:
- Get licensed in one EU jurisdiction
- Passport to all 27 member states
- Unified regulatory framework
The Practice:
- National competent authorities interpret differently
- Local requirements still vary
- Language and reporting obligations differ
- Consumer protection rules have national layers
Jurisdiction Shopping: What We’re Seeing
Different companies are choosing different home jurisdictions:
| Jurisdiction | Why Companies Choose It |
|---|---|
| Ireland | English-speaking, fintech-friendly |
| France | AMF experience, Paris ecosystem |
| Germany | BaFin credibility, market size |
| Lithuania | Fast licensing, lower costs |
| Netherlands | DNB expertise, established hub |
Paris Blockchain Week Legal Track
For legal professionals, Paris Blockchain Week offers:
Formal Sessions:
- Cross-border licensing panels
- Enforcement action case studies
- Contractual frameworks under MiCA
- Liability allocation in crypto services
Networking Value:
- Other legal teams facing same challenges
- Regulator relationship building
- Expert witness and consultant connections
Legal Due Diligence Checklist
For anyone evaluating European crypto projects:
- Licensing status - Which NCA, what scope?
- Passporting - Active in which jurisdictions?
- Local counsel - Who provides local advice?
- Contractual structure - How are cross-border services delivered?
- Dispute resolution - Which courts, what arbitration?
BTC Prague: The Alternative Perspective
Interesting contrast: BTC Prague tends to attract those skeptical of heavy regulation. Worth attending for:
- Counter-arguments to regulatory approach
- Privacy-focused legal discussions
- Self-custody legal frameworks
- Cypherpunk legal theory
My Recommendation
For legal professionals:
- Paris Blockchain Week - Essential for MiCA practice
- EthCC - Understanding technical context helps legal work
- BTC Prague - Optional but intellectually valuable
The European legal landscape for crypto is being written now. These conferences are where that happens.