France enforces new EU crypto rules under MiCA

France has entered a new phase of crypto regulation as the transitional period between its national Pacte law framework and the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation has ended. Since 2 July 2026, crypto-asset service providers operating in France must comply with MiCA requirements and obtain authorisation to offer services across the European Union.

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has supported firms throughout the transition while reviewing MiCA authorisation applications. France has authorised 31 crypto-asset service providers, making it the EU’s second-largest jurisdiction for approved firms.

MiCA introduces stricter requirements on investor protection, security, market integrity and the custody of crypto-assets. The AMF will continue supervising authorised providers and assessing new applications.

The regulator will also work with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and other national authorities to oversee the orderly withdrawal of firms that failed to obtain MiCA authorisation. It has urged investors to use only authorised crypto-asset service providers operating under the new European framework.

Why does it matter?

France’s transition marks another step in MiCA‘s move from legislation to implementation. As national transitional regimes end, crypto firms across the EU must comply with a single regulatory framework, replacing fragmented national approaches with common licensing and supervisory standards.

The new regime is also intended to strengthen consumer confidence by introducing harmonised rules on investor protection, market integrity and operational resilience. Its long-term success will depend on whether it can provide effective oversight while allowing compliant firms to innovate and compete across the EU’s single market.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our chatbot!