Definition ∞ MiFID II securities are financial instruments regulated under the European Union’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II. This directive governs investment services and activities across the EU, covering traditional securities like stocks, bonds, and derivatives. While MiFID II primarily applies to conventional financial markets, its principles and definitions are often referenced in discussions about whether certain digital assets should be classified as securities. Such classification determines the regulatory regime applicable to their issuance and trading.
Context ∞ MiFID II securities are frequently mentioned in crypto news when discussing the regulatory classification of digital assets, particularly in Europe. The key debate revolves around whether specific tokens or digital instruments meet the criteria to be considered securities under MiFID II, or if they fall under the newer MiCA framework. This distinction significantly impacts the compliance burden and operational requirements for crypto businesses.