EU Should Prioritize Tokenization Over DeFi Rules, Says MiCA Architect

Peter Kerstens, one of the architects behind the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), believes that the EU should focus on tokenization and a broader digital asset framework rather than regulating decentralized finance (DeFi) through MiCA.

Kerstens made this statement during a fireside chat at the WAIB Summit Monaco 2026, where he also mentioned that DeFi would be difficult to regulate due to its decentralized nature. He stated that lawmakers would need a new legal doctrine to apply laws directly to computer networks.

According to Kerstens, there is no need to regulate DeFi as it 'has no representatives' and 'I don't see what the problem is.' The European Commission launched a public consultation on MiCA in May, which will close on August 31. The consultation aims to gather feedback that will help shape the EU's next regulatory steps.