EMEA Daily: EU Lawmaker Says MiCA Crypto Law Could Be Ready in October

Today in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) news, a European Union lawmaker reveals that the text for the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) could be ready in the next six weeks. Plus, an open banking partnership between kevin and Monet+ sets an industry first for in-store account-to-account (A2A) payments.

EU Lawmaker Says MiCA Crypto Law Could be Ready in October

The text for the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) could be ready in October, according to lawmaker Stefan Berger. The legislation requires crypto asset providers to register with regulators to offer services in the bloc. The point of the law is to make parameters for how all the EU member nations regulate crypto. There could also be definite rules for stablecoin issuance.

FinTech Kevin Teams With Monet+ on in-Store A2A Payments

United Kingdom-based FinTech kevin has partnered Monet+ to deliver A2A payments via Monet+’s Switchio platform. Switchio by Monet+ works with multiple acquirers to manage millions of transactions each day. By integrating kevin’s infrastructure into the Switchio platform, Monet+ becomes the first-ever company able to offer their clients and partners A2A payments in physical stores.

HMD Global Adds Sustainability-Focused Subscriptions for Nokia Devices

Noting that smartphones account for more than 10% of global electronic waste, HMD Global, the maker of Nokia brand smartphones and tablets, announced a new subscription service that is designed to lengthen the lifespan of mobile devices. Circular is to launch in the U.K. and Germany where it will be available on select devices. A unique offering for business customers is to be added in the fourth quarter, and Circular is to expand to other countries in the future.

NortonLifeLock to Complete Acquisition of Avast After Regulator’s OK

Following approval by the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), NortonLifeLock’s acquisition of fellow cybersecurity software provider Avast is now expected to close Sept. 12. The CMA said the merger of the two providers of cyber safety software would not lessen competition in the country.

Everphone Raises $32M to Grow Phone-as-a-Service

Berlin-based Phone-as-a-Service company everphone has raised 32 million euros (about $32 million) in an expanded Series C funding round, which it will use to continue to expand globally, develop its products and increase the number of devices in service. The company offers a subscription service in which it takes care of companies’ mobile device needs, including phones, tablets and laptops.

Crypto Bank Sygnum Arrives in the Metaverse

Sygnum is to open a “metaverse hub” in Decentraland, a Web3 virtual world built on the Ethereum blockchain. The Swiss bank and digital asset specialist released stills and a video tour of the new Decentraland location, which features a CryptoPunk receptionist, interactive non-fungible token (NFT) gallery and event space.

For all PYMNTS EMEA coverage, subscribe to the daily EMEA Newsletter.