Swiss Bitcoin-only investment app Relai has obtained approval under the European Union’s crypto regulatory framework, making it one of the latest crypto asset service providers (CASPs) to do so.
France's financial markets regulator, Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), issued a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license to Relai on Thursday, according to official records.
"We’re incredibly proud to be one of the first Bitcoin companies to get the MiCA license and are eager to expand to France first and Europe in a second step," said Relai co-founder and CEO Julian Liniger in a statement shared with Cointelegraph on Friday.
Founded in Zurich in 2020, Relai operates a Bitcoin (BTC)-only platform that facilitates buying, selling, and saving BTC with self-custody, enabling users to maintain sole control over their holdings.
A Breakthrough for the Bitcoin Industry in Europe
The acquisition of a MiCA license authorizes Relai to offer several regulated services related to Bitcoin investment through its app.
With this license, Relai is now permitted to support SEPA payments within the EU and offer increased trading limits against euros.
Relai EU co-founder Adem Bilican stated that Relai’s MiCA license represents a significant advancement not only for the platform itself but also for the broader Bitcoin industry across Europe.
Bilican added, "Our goal is clear: Bringing Bitcoin to as many people as possible. Simple, secure, regulated."
The MiCA license acquisition is consistent with Relai’s strategic roadmap. The company had previously announced plans to obtain the license in late 2024, coinciding with its successful $12 million Series A funding round. This funding round was led by US venture capital firm Ego Death Capital, with additional support from Plan B Bitcoin Fund, Timechain, and Solit Group.
This news follows Blockchain.com's announcement the previous day that it had received a MiCA license from the Maltese Financial Services Authority. Blockchain.com is recognized as one of the oldest crypto platforms, offering wallet and blockchain explorer services.