France to Crypto Firms: Get Licensed or Face the Void by 2026!

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France’s AMF, in a move that’s about as subtle as a brick to the face, reminds crypto firms to get their MiCA license by July 2026 or face the financial equivalent of being sent to bed without dinner.

So, France’s financial regulator, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (or AMF, because who has time for full names?), has decided to play the role of the stern headmaster, wagging its finger at crypto firms and saying, “Shape up or ship out.” The MiCA transitional period, which has been the crypto world’s version of a grace period, is ending on July 1, 2026. That’s right, folks-time to put away the toys and start acting like grown-ups.

AMF: The Clock Is Ticking, Tick-Tock

The AMF has made it clearer than a glass of fine French wine that Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) can only operate if they’re MiCA-authorized after July 2026. If not, it’s au revoir to the French market. And let’s be honest, no one wants to be the crypto firm that gets left behind like yesterday’s baguette.

France’s financial regulator AMF reminded Digital Asset Service Providers that the MiCA transitional period ends on 1 July 2026. Crypto firms operating in France must obtain MiCA CASP authorisation by then or cease operations. Providers that do not plan to comply are urged to…

– Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain)

And for those firms thinking, “Eh, we’ll just wing it,” the AMF has a special treat: start winding down by March 30, 2026. Because nothing says “we care” like forcing you to clean up your mess months in advance. It’s all about protecting consumers and minimizing market disruption, or so they say. Probably just want to avoid a crypto apocalypse.

Related Reading: BBVA Joins EU Banks to Launch Euro Stablecoin Under MiCA Rules | Live Bitcoin News

Non-compliance? Oh, you’ll be sorry. Financial penalties, public blacklisting, and website blocks are on the menu. It’s like being grounded, but for businesses. And let’s not forget the reputational damage-because who wants to be known as the crypto firm that couldn’t even follow the rules?

From July 2026 onwards, only MiCA-compliant CASPs get to play in the sandbox. And this isn’t just a French thing; it’s the law of the land for all crypto activities in the country. So, no sneaking in through the back door.

To qualify, firms have two paths: get CASP authorization directly from the AMF (good luck with the paperwork) or notify authorities under Article 60 of MiCA if you’re a financial entity. Choose wisely, or you’ll be left wondering where it all went wrong.

CASPs authorized under MiCA must follow common standards and service-specific rules. It’s like a crypto version of the EU’s attempt at harmony. Spoiler alert: it’s about as harmonious as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

But hey, there’s a silver lining: authorized CASPs get to passport their services across the EU. It’s like a golden ticket, but with more paperwork. And the AMF even has a whitelist of authorized providers on its website, because who doesn’t love a good list?

ESMA: Delays? Incomplete Applications? Oh, the Humanity!

European regulators, never ones to miss a chance to remind everyone who’s boss, have been shouting from the rooftops about early preparation. Back in December 2025, ESMA was like, “Hey, the transitional period is ending, guys. Just so you know.” Review timelines? Up to 4 months. So, if you’re thinking of submitting your application on July 1, 2026, good luck with that.

And here’s the kicker: initial applications are often incomplete. Shocking, I know. Firms get hit with requests for clarifications or major revisions, which, surprise surprise, cause delays. Late submissions? You might as well start planning your exit strategy now.

The AMF, in a moment of rare honesty, admitted that many applications need serious improvement. Poor documentation? Delays galore. So, early and comprehensive preparation is key. Unless you enjoy living on the edge, of course.

Regulators are stressing the importance of complete files. Accurate financial info, governance, compliance framework-it all needs to be crystal clear. Weak submissions? They’ll fail faster than a soufflé in a thunderstorm.

So, the AMF is basically begging DASPs to get moving. Submit your MiCA authorization files ASAP, or risk being left in the regulatory dust. Waiting is not an option, unless you enjoy increased regulation and business risk. Spoiler: no one does.

For crypto companies, the message is as clear as a glass of Bordeaux: comply with MiCA or get out of the EU market. No ifs, ands, or buts. As the deadline looms, regulatory attention will intensify, and delays will come with severe consequences. Early compliance is the only way to avoid a regulatory smackdown.

So, to all the crypto firms out there: the clock is ticking. Get your act together, or face the void. Because in the world of MiCA, there’s no room for procrastinators. And remember, as Douglas Adams once said, “Don’t panic”-but maybe start panicking a little.

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2026-02-09 23:21