France’s financial watchdog, Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), has issued a clear warning to crypto companies still operating under transitional rules: obtain a MiCA license or exit the French market.
According to the regulator, around 90 registered crypto firms in France have not yet secured authorization under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. With the transitional deadline set for June 30, 2026, firms that remain unlicensed will be forced to shut down operations from July 1, 2026.
French regulator says some crypto firms unresponsive as EU licence deadline approaches https://t.co/viWYHc1t2J https://t.co/viWYHc1t2J
— Reuters Tech News (@ReutersTech) January 14, 2026
Where the 90 Firms Stand
The AMF recently contacted all affected companies to assess their compliance plans. The responses reveal a fragmented landscape:
- 30% (around 27 firms) have already submitted MiCA license applications
- 40% (around 36 firms) have confirmed they do not intend to apply
- 30% (around 27 firms) have not responded at all, raising red flags for the regulator
The AMF noted that non-responsive firms face heightened scrutiny, as silence may indicate weak governance or lack of preparedness for MiCA compliance.
Key Dates Firms Cannot Ignore
- June 30, 2026 – End of the 18-month MiCA “grandfathering” period for previously registered Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs)
- July 1, 2026 – Unlicensed firms will be legally prohibited from offering crypto services in France
In line with guidance from European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), companies that do not pursue authorization must implement an orderly wind-down plan, ensuring clients are protected before exiting the market.
Who Is Already MiCA-Compliant
While many firms remain behind schedule, several major players have already secured MiCA approval in France, including:
- Circle
- Revolut
- Coinbase
- CoinShares (licensed July 2025)
- Relai (licensed October 2025)
Their approvals highlight the AMF’s stance that MiCA compliance is achievable—but requires early action and robust regulatory alignment.
France Pushes for Unified EU Oversight
French authorities reiterated support for centralized and consistent EU supervision, arguing that MiCA is designed to prevent “regulatory shopping,” where crypto firms seek out the most permissive member state to obtain authorization.
As the July 2026 deadline approaches, France is signaling zero tolerance for delays. For crypto firms operating in the country, MiCA compliance is no longer optional, it’s existential.
