MiCA Masters: MiCA, EMIs & the Future of Compliance

Solidus Labs’ Delphine Forma speaks with Paula Steiner, Chief Compliance Officer at Fiat Republic, about what it takes to build trust, secure regulatory licenses, and navigate the path from EMI authorization to MiCA compliance.

Paula shares her journey from Brazil to the Netherlands, from traditional finance to digital assets, and why she believes stablecoins will revolutionize the future of payments. She offers an inside look at Fiat Republic’s model as a “Web2.5” bridge between crypto firms and fiat banking, and the compliance culture that underpins it.

💡 Key discussion points:

• Why banking access remains one of crypto’s toughest challenges — even in Europe
• How Fiat Republic built a compliance-first culture and robust onboarding model
• The path from EMI licensing to MiCA EMT issuance and what that required
• Safeguarding structures, capital requirements, and dual foundations under Dutch law
• Fraud prevention programs and the role of data in protecting clients
• The importance of regulatory dialogue with DNB, AFM, and FCA
• How stablecoins and instant settlement are shaping the future of payments

“Compliance is embedded in our DNA. It’s not a hurdle, it’s how we build trust with clients and regulators.” – Paula Steiner