France’s financial watchdog, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), has issued a clear warning to crypto companies still operating under transitional rules: obtain a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license or exit the French market.
According to the regulator, approximately 90 registered crypto firms in France have not yet secured authorization under the European Union’s MiCA framework. With the transitional deadline set for June 30, 2026, firms that remain unlicensed will be forced to cease operations from July 1, 2026.
French regulator says some crypto firms unresponsive as EU licence deadline approaches https://t.co/viWYHc1t2Jhttps://t.co/viWYHc1t2J
— Reuters Tech News (@ReutersTech) January 14, 2026
Status of the 90 Firms
The AMF recently contacted all affected companies to assess their compliance plans. The responses reveal a fragmented landscape:
- •Approximately 30% (around 27 firms) have already submitted MiCA license applications.
- •Around 40% (approximately 36 firms) have confirmed they do not intend to apply.
- •The remaining 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 a lack of preparedness for MiCA compliance.
Critical Dates for Crypto Firms
- •June 30, 2026: This marks the end of the 18-month MiCA “grandfathering” period for previously registered Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs).
- •July 1, 2026: From this date, unlicensed firms will be legally prohibited from offering crypto services in France.
In line with guidance from the 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.
MiCA-Compliant Firms
While many firms remain behind schedule, several major players have already secured MiCA approval in France. These include:
- •Circle
- •Revolut
- •Coinbase
- •CoinShares (licensed July 2025)
- •Relai (licensed October 2025)
Their approvals highlight the AMF’s stance that MiCA compliance is achievable, but it requires early action and robust regulatory alignment.
France Advocates for Unified EU Oversight
French authorities reiterated their support for centralized and consistent EU supervision. They argue that MiCA is designed to prevent “regulatory shopping,” a practice 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 is existential.