France issues a final reminder to crypto companies: On July 1st, everything will be different.

The French AMF reminds everyone that July 1, 2026 is the deadline to comply with MiCA, requiring mandatory CASP authorizations.

France's financial regulator, the Financial Markets Authority (AMF)The agency has issued a formal notification to all Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) operating within its territory. The agency reiterated that the transition period allowing operations under the previous national framework will definitively end on [date missing]. July 1, 2026. 

From the date indicated, European regulations Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) It will be the only valid legal framework. This measure seeks to unify security and transparency criteria across the entire European Union, eliminating regulatory fragmentation. 

The AMF emphasized that entities that do not obtain the new CASP authorization before the stipulated deadline must immediately cease their commercial activities to avoid severe legal consequences within the French market.

New regulatory phase under MiCA redefines the French crypto market

Organizations currently offering cryptocurrency services in France face a strict timeline for validating their continued operation in the market. The AMF has made it clear that registration status obtained under previous legislation will not be sufficient after the deadline. 

To continue operating within this market, companies must obtain a license from Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) under MiCA standards. The regulator urged interested parties to submit their applications as early as possible, as the compliance analysis can take up to 4 months after the complete documentation is submitted.

For companies that anticipate being unable to meet the technical or financial requirements of the new law, the financial regulator has proposed a structured exit strategy. The agency urged to these suppliers to begin an orderly reduction of their businesses before March 30, 2026.

According to the AMF, this process has the primary objective of protecting users' funds and information, allowing them to recover their assets or transfer them to authorized platforms without any problems. 

The monitoring will be rigorous, and failure to meet these deadlines could result in fines of up to 30.000 euros, prison sentences of up to 2 years for those responsible, and the inclusion of the platforms on blacklists with the consequent blocking of their web portals in France.

MiCA: The new standard for digital security in Europe

The MiCA regulation represents a significant step forward for the European financial ecosystem, bringing legal clarity to a sector that previously operated under diverse rules in each country. This legislation regulates the issuance of crypto assets and the provision of related services, establishing strict obligations regarding transparency, governance, and custody. 

By centralizing the rules of the game, MiCA fosters a trusted environment where users have greater guarantees of protection against potential insolvencies or malpractice.

The implementation of this legal framework not only benefits consumers, but also grants authorized companies the so-called "European passport." This allows an entity licensed in France to legitimately offer its services in the other 26 member states of the European Union. 

The MiCA regulation classifies assets into specific categories, such as asset-backed tokens or electronic money tokens, ensuring that each has adequate backing. It also promotes transparency in public information through the publication of White Papers or whitepapers Mandatory, is another pillar that seeks to eradicate the information asymmetry between issuers and buyers.

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France is adapting for a safer and more transparent crypto market

France has solidified its position as one of the most active European countries in integrating crypto assets into its financial system. In recent years, its government and regulatory bodies have worked to adapt national legislation to new European Union guidelines, seeking to balance innovation with market stability.

To date, the AMF has also modified its positions on complex financial instruments to allow the marketing of structured products, such as Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs), provided they meet liquidity and solvency criteria. For example, for these assets to be considered eligible, they must have a market capitalization exceeding €10.000 billion and a daily trading volume of at least €50 million during the 30 days prior to their marketing.

Furthermore, under the MiCA regulation, the custody of crypto assets must be entrusted to authorized providers within the legal framework, a key step in ensuring transparency and investor protection. This coordination between European regulations and domestic policies reinforces France's image as a responsible innovation hub, open to new technologies without compromising the security of the financial system.

In October of last year, the country took a further step by initiating debate on a draft law proposing the creation of a national Bitcoin reserveThis discussion, aimed at strengthening its digital sovereignty and diversifying its strategic assets, marks a milestone in how the French state views cryptocurrencies, not only as a technological phenomenon but also as an economic and geopolitical opportunity.

As the market evolves, the regulator plans to review the effectiveness of these measures during the first half of 2027, ensuring that regulation evolves alongside the market. With this approach, France aims to remain at the forefront of financial innovation in Europe, combining a forward-thinking approach with prudent risk management.